Common name: orange elephant ear sponge
General information
The Orange Elephant Ear Sponge, scientifically known as Agelas clathrodes, is a striking species of sponge found in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. It is renowned for its vibrant orange color and intricate network of channels and pores, which give it a distinctive appearance. This sponge is not only a beautiful addition to a reef aquarium but also plays a crucial role in the natural ecosystem by filtering water and providing habitat for a variety of marine organisms.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 100 liter (26 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 7.8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 30 cm (1′)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Sensitive to water quality.
- Diet
- Detritivore Feeds on detritus and bacteria.
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumSpongesPorifera
- ClassDemospongesDemospongiae
- OrderAgelasid SpongesAgelasida
- FamilyAgelas spongesAgelasidae
- GenusAgelas SpongesAgelas
- Speciesorange elephant ear spongeAgelas clathrodes (Schmidt, 1870)
- SynonymsChalinopsis clathrodes Schmidt, 1870
Care
Caring for Agelas clathrodes in a home aquarium requires stable water conditions and moderate to strong water flow to mimic its natural environment. It is important to ensure that this sponge is never exposed to air, as trapped air can be fatal. They are filter feeders, so providing a diet of dissolved organic matter and plankton is essential for their health. It's also crucial to maintain high water quality, as sponges are sensitive to elevated levels of nitrates and phosphates.
Reproduction
Sponges like Agelas clathrodes reproduce both sexually and asexually. In the aquarium, asexual reproduction through budding or fragmentation is more common. Fragments that break off can attach to a substrate and grow into new individuals. Sexual reproduction involves the release of gametes into the water column, but this is less likely to occur in the controlled environment of a home aquarium.
Symbiosis
Agelas clathrodes does not have any well-known symbiotic relationships that are of particular interest to reefkeepers. However, its structure provides shelter and a surface for other organisms to grow on, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the reef tank.
Habitat
This sponge species is typically found in the Caribbean Sea, often attached to reef structures or other hard substrates. It thrives in areas with good water flow, which facilitates its filter-feeding lifestyle. In the wild, Agelas clathrodes can be found at various depths, usually ranging from shallow waters to deeper reef slopes.