In July and September 2007 sponge explants were collected and transported to the aquarium facilities at James Cook University (JCU). Sponges were placed into a large flow through oval tank (800 l) and acclimatised to laboratory conditions for 3 d prior to conducting respirometry experiments. Water temperatures were maintained at 23 °C and 25 °C during July and September, respectively, reflecting ambient temperatures at collection sites.