NICHOLS,, S.A.; BARNES,, P.A.G.*; HICKMAN,, C.S.; Univ. of California, Berkeley; Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute; Univ. of California, Berkeley: Biodiversity, and distribution with respect to substrate and depth, of marine sponges of the Caribbean coast of Panama.

This study increases voucher-documented sponge diversity of the Caribbean coast of Panama from 54 to 93. One new species is recognized and 29 species, many of which may be undescribed, remain unnamed. The sponge fauna of the Panamanian Caribbean is comparable to that of other Caribbean localities in that most common species are predictably present while a relatively large proportion of cryptic species require basic systematic study. Despite considerable effort to catalog the diversity of Caribbean sponges, the number of new taxa encountered in surveys such as this one remains high. In Bocas del Toro, we studied sponge diversity and distribution with respect to substrate and depth. Maximum sponge diversity was encountered at coral reef sites. Sponge diversity appears to be correlated with substrate diversity and depth range. Mangrove roots support a relatively high proportion of locally unique species. To increase our understanding of the ecology, biogeography, and evolution of the Caribbean sponge fauna, we emphasize the geologic framework in addition to the need for more rigorous sampling, systematic documentation (backed by voucher specimens) and robust molecular phylogenetic analyses.