First Records of Freshwater Sponges (Porifera: Spongillidae) for Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Abstract

Abstract A survey of four selected streams in the Tennessee portion of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was conducted to document the presence of freshwater sponges. Streams were surveyed by wading and observing rock and log substrates for sponges. Sponges were viewed with a 10X magnifier for gemmules. If gemmules were present a portion of the sponge containing gemmules was collected. Scanning electron microscopy of gemmules and spicules was used for taxonomic identification. Two species, Radiospongilla crateriformis and Trochospongilla horrida, were discovered. Both were found in the Abrams Creek embayment of Chilhowee Lake. These findings represent the first records of freshwater sponges within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.