First records of the freshwater sponges Corvoheteromeyenia heterosclera and Spongilla alba (Porifera : Spongillidae) from Curacao, with species descriptions and data from transplantation experiments

The freshwater sponges Corvoheteromeyenia heterosclera and Spongilla alba a re documented for Curacao, being the first report of freshwater sponges fro m this semi-arid, southern Caribbean island. The sponges occur in relativel y clear, sunlit, non-stagnant, water and are probably less common now becau se man-made freshwater localities from the colonial era are largely deserte d and in poor repairs. Transplantation to suitable sites could enhance the conservation of these sponges.