Spongia officinalis grows in massive, globular lobes with fine openings which are slightly elevated and have cone-shaped voids (conules). Oscula can either be scattered or at the … See more

Spongia officinalis can reproduce asexually via budding or fragmentation.
Sexual reproduction is also common in S. officinalis. Individuals can be dioecious, either male or … See more

Uses
The use of bath sponges for bathing and other purposes originated in Greece and spread all around … See more

• Spongia officinalis info
• World Register of Marine Species
• Integrated Taxonomic Information System: Spongia officinalis Taxonomic Serial No.: 47545 See more

Spongia officinalis can be found in the Mediterranean Sea along the coasts of Croatia, Greece, the Aegean islands, Turkey, Cyprus, Syria, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Italy, France … See more

Spongia officinalis was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1759. The common names "bath sponge," "Fina Dalmata," and "Matapas" are usually used to refer to this species. See more

Over-harvesting and sponge disease have led to a decrease in Mediterranean S. officinalis populations. People have harvested sponges in the Mediterranean since ancient times. … See more