Larval settlement behaviour of Coscinoderma sponges from the Torres Strait, Australia (MTSRF Project 1.3.2)

This experimental study of larval settlement behaviour of Coscinoderma mathewsi, undertaken in December 2009, explored some specific aspects of recruitment behaviour raised from the Torres Strait recuritment study.Research was conducted in tanks at Orpheus Island under controlled conditions to complement field recruitment studies in the Torres Strait (see separate metadata record). Coscinoderma larvae were obtained from Orpheus Island.This study determined specific pre-settlement larval behaviours including pre-competency periods and chemical and physical settlement cues.Synchronicity of spawning cycles between Orpheus and Torres Strait sponges were assessed. To explore specific aspects of recruitment behaviour Coscinoderma matthewsi. One component of a project in the Torres Straits focusing on sponges with potential for aquaculture. Other metadata are available for: 1) Abundance of Coscinoderma 2) Recruitment of Coscinoderma3) Spatial distribution of Dictyoceratid sponges across the central Torres Strait4) Effects of handling on sponge growth