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Leucosolenia, also written as Leucoselenia, is a tubular, branched and calcareous sponge that belongs to the family Leucosoleniidae. They are found in tide pools and wharves. It contains numerous species and most of them are asconoids, the simplest sponges.

Classification of Leucosolenia

Morphology

• The species of Leucosolenia range from 2.5 centimetres to lesser in length.
• They exist as colonies of thin, delicate individuals that are connected to each by a rootlike structure that also attaches the colony to a surface.
• The whole colony looks like curved vases or a bunch of bananas.
• The canal system of the genus is of asconoid type.
• The central cavity is the spongocoel through which water enters via numerous perforations and exits through one large opening called an osculum which is present at the tip.
• The central cavity is lined by cells called choanocytes. They have flagella attached that creates a water current.
• The outer body wall of the genus is lined by flat and thin cells called pinacocytes.
• Between the two layers is a layer of jelly-like substance called mesoglea that consists of moving cells (amoebocytes) and skeletal spicules.
• The skeletal spicules are thin, three or four pointed star-like structures which provide support to the body tube. The spicules are produced by the amoebocytes.
• One characteristic feature of Leucosolenia is its symmetrical body. Sponges in general are asymmetrical in nature.

Refer: Difference between Pinacoderm and Choanoderm

Reproduction

1. Asexual Reproduction: Asexual reproduction in Leucosolenia is by means of budding and branching.
2. Sexual Reproduction: Sexual reproduction in Leucosolenia occurs by the production of gametes, ovum and spermatozoa. They are hermaphrodites in nature, i.e., both the gametes are produced in the same body.

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