Ochridaspongia rotunda is a freshwater sponge endemic to Lake Ohrid. This sponge is found mostly at depths of 30âÂÂ50 m and water temperatures of 6âÂÂ8 ðC. Its circular shape indicates that the animal lives under conditions of relatively calm water.
Following comparative tests with positive controls of its extracts against 8 bacterial and 8 fungal strains, Ohridaspongia rotunda has been described as a potential "gold mine of new antimicrobial substances with significant and broad-range activity". Current research is investigating its acetone extracts for application in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, for which it has demonstrated promising inhibitory activity. These may originate with symbiotic bacteria hosted by the sponge and further research is required.