Porifera brasilis

In this identification guide 53 species of common marine sponges (Phylum Porifera, Classes Demospongiae and Calcarea) from the littoral of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo states are described, many of which also occur in other regions of the Brazilian coast. Species descriptions contain information about their morphology, ecology and distribution, and are illustrated by submarine photographs, drawings of the spicules, and light micrographs of the skeleton. a glossary for understanding of the specialized sponge terminology and an identification key for the species described are also given. Key words: Porifera, morphology, taxonomy, identification, Southwestern Atlantic, Brazil.