Humphreya

Humphreya is a genus of sponges belonging to the class Calcarea, subclass Calcaronea, and order Clathrinida. These sponges are characterized by their asconoid structure, meaning they have a simple vase-like shape with a single osculum (excurrent opening) at the top and numerous pores (ostia) along the body wall through which water enters.

Humphreya sponges are primarily found in marine environments, particularly in shallow tropical and subtropical waters. They are typically small, often less than a few centimeters in size, and exhibit a relatively delicate and branching growth form.

The skeleton of Humphreya is composed of calcareous spicules, specifically triactines and diactines, which are three- and two-rayed spicules respectively. These spicules provide structural support to the sponge body. The arrangement and type of spicules are important diagnostic features for identifying different species within the genus.

Humphreya sponges filter feed, drawing water through their pores and extracting small particles of organic matter and plankton. Water is then expelled through the osculum.

The taxonomic classification of Humphreya has been subject to revision, and the exact number of valid species within the genus may vary depending on the source. The study of Humphreya, like other sponge genera, is important for understanding biodiversity and the ecological roles of sponges in marine ecosystems.