Saltwater Aquarium Guide -- Sponges

Sponges:

Sponges are found in almost every type of aquatic environment, they are simple, multi-cellular organisms of the Porifera phylum and are divided into more than 20 families with over 5,000 species. While they do not have different types of tissues, they do have several specialized types of cells. In the wild, sponges filter massive amounts of water every day, feeding on the microplankton. Many will develop calcium, silica, or sponging structures to support their shape.

Sponges are divided into three types. The asconoid sponges have one large chamber and are only ¼ inch in size. The syncoid sponges have folds in their body structure and reach 1½ inches in length. The most sophisticated sponges, which are the largest and most common, are called the leuconoid sponges.

Sponges need to be anchored in rockwork; they do not tolerate sandy anchoring substrates. Some sponges serve as a substrate for other small invertebrates, and sometimes they are used as camouflage by wandering crabs that place the sponge on their shell. They are vulnerable to certain snails, nudibranchs, and some fish.

In the aquarium, sponges require pristine water conditions. High to moderate water currents, along with foods designed for filter-feeding invertebrates. Sponges are best suited to low or no light to avoid algae growth on the organism, and should never be exposed to air, as death will be almost certain.

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