Update list of sponges of Latakia (Syria)-New Record exotic species

Abstract

This study deals with the diversity of sponge and at the Northern Latakia of Syria. The updated detection of sponge biodiversity in the Northern Latakia, Syria including previous data was carried out. Quantitatively, samples were collected via SCUBA diving at depths ranging from 15–30 m in Ibn Hani area near the High Institute of Marine Research in 2014. Results revealed 11 species. Chondrosia reniformis, Ircinia Sp, Axinella verrucosa, Hippospongia commuis, Crambe crambe, Maxilla incrustans, Spongia officinalis, Axinella polypoides, Axinella cannabina, Agelas oroides, Agelas linnaei. Most of these species like Spongia officinalis and Hippospongia communis were listed as protected by the SAP /BIO protocol of the Barcelona Convention. Furthermore, new record of exotic species was detected for the first time in the Mediterranean and Syrian coast belong to the genus Agelas linnaei from Indo- pacific origin exclusively the Thousands Islands of Indonesia.