Porifera of Lake Faro (Sicily): gemmules of a sponge epibiont on Mytilus galloprovincialis

The presence of resting stages in haplosclerid sponges of the Lake Faro is reported for the first time. The production of gemmules rich of totipotent cells indicates the potential of these resting stages to regenerate the sponges (as clones) after unforeseeable and harsh variations of environmental conditions in this coastal lake. Further investigations will allow to define the taxonomic status of the gemmule producing sponge