Genetic analyses show that many sponge species in the Indo-Pacific are regionally unique

The Indo-Pacific is the largest marine biogeographical region on Earth and a global center of marine biodiversity. Nevertheless, there are gaps remaining in our understanding of the diversity, distribution, and endemism of many animal groups in this vast area, especially in relation to sponges. This knowledge is crucial, however, to our ability to record and evaluate changes in biodiversity over the long term.