A total of 96 species of sponge were recorded in a bathymetric survey conducted within the iSimangalisoWetland Park. Non-random processes are hypothesised to account for the decline in species richness with increasing depth, and the data add support to Rapoport’s rule. Morphological and colour diversity were strongly correlated and decreased with depth. Five communities could be identified at the 30% level of similarity using cluster analysis, and these correspond to intertidal and shallow subtidal (to 10 m), deep sub-photic zone (coral reefs: 10–30 m), deep reefs (40–90 m), canyon margin (100–140 m) and canyon (140–360 m). The data add support to recently hypothesised bathymetric zones around South Africa.

Depth range
0- 360 m

Mesophotic “mentions”
6 x (total of 4926 words)

Classification
* Presents original data
* Focused on 'mesophotic' depth range
* Focused on 'mesophotic coral ecosystem'

Fields
Ecology
Taxonomy
Biodiversity
Community structure

Focusgroups
Porifera (Sponges)

Locations
South Africa

Platforms
Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)
SCUBA (open-circuit or unspecified)