Updated checklist of sponges (Porifera) along the coasts of Turkey

Abstract

This study compiled the data from previous papers emphasizing sponge species on the Turkish coasts. In total, 131 species belonging to 46 families have been reported: 82 species from the Aegean Sea, 63 species from the Sea of Marmara, 51 species from the Levantine Sea, and 13 species from the Black Sea. Among these species, 3 species are new records for the marine fauna of Turkey: Rhizaxinella elongata, Axinyssa digitata, and Terpios gelatinosa. Raspalia viminalis is a new record for the Sea of Marmara. The morphological and distributional features of 3 species are presented. In addition, a checklist of the sponge species reported from the Turkish coasts to date is provided.