Borojevia tetrapodifera facts for kids

Borojevia tetrapodifera is a special type of calcareous sponge found in New Zealand. Sponges are simple animals that live in water and filter food. This particular sponge is named after tiny, four-pointed structures called "tetrapods" that it has. It's the only sponge in its group (called Clathrinid sponges) known to have these unique parts!

What is Borojevia tetrapodifera?

This sponge was first discovered and described in 2003. It belongs to a group of sponges known for having skeletons made of calcium carbonate, which is like chalk. These sponges are often found in marine environments, attached to rocks or other surfaces.

How This Sponge is Built

The body of Borojevia tetrapodifera is made of many thin tubes that are connected together in a tight network. Imagine a tiny, tangled maze of tubes!

• Attached to Surfaces: This sponge sticks to the bottom of the ocean or other surfaces using some of its tubes. These tubes help it stay in place, but they aren't like the roots of a plant.
• Water Flow: Unlike some other sponges, Borojevia tetrapodifera doesn't have special tubes just for collecting water. Instead, it has small openings, or "vents," on its surface. Water moves in and out through these openings, helping the sponge to breathe and eat.

Tiny Building Blocks: Spicules

Sponges don't have bones like we do. Instead, their bodies are supported by tiny, needle-like structures called spicules. These spicules are like the building blocks of the sponge's skeleton.

• Triactines and Tetractines: Inside the sponge's tubes, you'll find two main types of spicules:
  • Triactines have three points, like a tiny star with three arms.
  • Tetractines have four points. One of these points, called the "apical actine," is shorter than the other three. It's also pointy and straight.
• Tripods and Tetrapods: On the outside of the sponge's body, there are many special spicules called tripods and tetrapods.
  • Tripods are true three-legged shapes.
  • Tetrapods are similar to tripods, but they have a fourth point that sticks up. This fourth point is smooth and shorter than the other three. These unique tetrapods are what give Borojevia tetrapodifera its name and make it stand out from other sponges!