Checklist of Porifera from Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil

The phylum Porifera, represented in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) solely by freshwater sponges, counts worldwide with around 230 species in freshwater habitats, of which 53 are presently known for Brazil and 11 for the MS. Remarkable is the fossil deposits of spicules (spongillites) produced by 6 species of these sponges in lentic quaternary freshwater habitats throughout the State and as such an important mineral resource. A new record is now produced for Mato Grosso do Sul, that of Sterrastrolepis brasiliensis. The Pantanal, Cerrado, Mata Atlantica and Chaco Biomes have not up to now been surveyed for this aquatic fauna in the State. Priority should be focused into the Pantanal, presently considered one of the world most endangered biomes.