Coscinoderma sporadense
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Coscinoderma sporadense faces significant pressure from coastal development and marine pollution in its limited Mediterranean range. The species' vulnerability is compounded by its restricted distribution and the increasing frequency of marine heatwaves that can disrupt sponge communities. Collection for scientific research and potential pharmaceutical prospecting may also impact local populations of this endemic sponge.
Habitat
This marine sponge inhabits rocky substrates and cave systems in the Mediterranean Sea, typically found at depths ranging from shallow coastal waters to moderate depths. It requires clean, well-oxygenated waters with stable temperatures and minimal sedimentation.
