How does water temperature affect sexual maturity in animal sponges?

The sexual maturation of sponges is closely linked to the temperature of the water in which they reside.1

In temperate regions, this relationship typically results in maturation occurring between spring and autumn, with some species exhibiting two distinct reproductive periods—one in the spring and another in the autumn. Conversely, in tropical environments, sponges appear to reach sexual maturity at any time throughout the year. While many sponges follow these temperature-dependent patterns, some species, such as Scypha (formerly Sycon), are capable of maturing at any time of the year regardless of seasonal temperature fluctuations.1