Sexual elements and major cell types of the freshwater sponge, Spongilla lacustris

Abstract

Spongilla lacustris is a freshwater sponge (Phylum Porifera, Family Spongillidae) that is present in the lakes of Western Montana. In an effort to understand more about its sexual reproductive cycle and about its microscopic anatomy, sections prepared from samples obtained from Salmon Lake (T15N/R14/S8) between May-August 1994 were examined using light microscopy Spermatogenic cysts, eggs, and larvae were found in samples obtained. The structures of pinacocytes, choanocytes, and archaeocytes are described.