Abstract
Larval settlement was studied on cultch shells suspended in the Mystic and Thames estuaries for periods of 2 to 4 wk from late spring through early winter, and young postlarval sponges collected on cultch and other surfaces exposed for several months were examined to determine if they had become reproductive. The settlement of seven species of sponge was followed in the Mystic Estuary and that of three species was observed in the Thames Estuary. Halichondria sp. and Haliclona sp. exhibited long periods of larval recruitment (4 to 7 months) and newly established postlarval specimens of these sponges produced larvae. Scypha sp. also reproduced at an early age. It is suggested that postlarval reproduction may be common among sponges. Postlarval specimens of Haliclona sp. and Prosuberites epiphytum (Lamarck) produce gemmules. Lissodendoryx isodictyalis (Carter), Microciona prolifera (Ellis & Solander) and occasionally Halichondria sp. regress to a dormant form lacking flagellated chambers during the winter; and Cliona celata (Grant) becomes quiescent, retracting its oscula and papillae during this period.
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