Genome of the freshwater demosponge Spongilla lacustris

Sponges are a diverse animal phylum containing an estimated 10,000 species and perform important physiological and ecological roles in aquatic ecosystems. While the majority of species inhabit marine environments, members of the order Spongillida are found in freshwater habitats around the world. Here we sequenced the genome of the freshwater demosponge Spongilla lacustris to find genetic signatures of adaptations to the freshwater environment.