Studies on fresh-water sponges from Australia. No. I
Abstract
In the writer's article on the fresh-water sponges from Australia and New Zealand Ephydatia multidenta was recorded (pp. 25, 53) from Burnett River, Queensland, and from Cooper's Creek in south Central Australia.
In October, 1931, the Director of the Australian Museum submitted a small fragment of fresh-water sponge which had been donated to the Museum for determination. With the sponge was a good photograph and also the following notes: "The fragment of sponge is from a growth of considerable size donated by Mr. L. A. Ducker (regd. Z 2646); the specimen was found on the submerged root of a tree in a creek at Merigol, Wanko Siding, near Charleville, Western Line, Queensland, and was received at the Museum alive on the 23rd September, 1931."
The excellent photograph, which is published with this note, gives a splendid idea of the size, the habit of growth, the irregularities of the surface and of the numerous pores upon the surface of the sponge. Our small dry specimen is a light yellowish-brown, and the gemmules, which are very numerous and are crowded throughout all parts of the specimen, are somewhat lighter in colour than the sponge itself.
In order that the records may be kept up to date, it is desired that the reports of specimens of these sponges found be reported. It is hoped that scientists and collectors in all parts of the country will keep a keen lookout for these sponges when collecting in fresh-waters.
