Common name: Red Tree Sponge

General information

Clathria procera, commonly known as the Red Tree Sponge, is a species of marine sponge found in reef environments. Unlike plants, sponges are simple multicellular animals that filter feed by pumping water through their porous bodies to extract nutrients. The Red Tree Sponge is particularly noted for its vibrant red coloration and branching tree-like structure, which adds a unique aesthetic to any reef aquarium.

Care

Red Tree Sponges require a well-established aquarium with stable water conditions. They are non-photosynthetic and rely on water flow to deliver their food. It is essential to provide a moderate to strong water current and to supplement their diet with dissolved organic matter or fine particulate foods. They should be placed in an area of the tank where they receive indirect lighting to avoid algae growth on their surfaces.

Reproduction

Sponges reproduce both sexually and asexually. In the aquarium, asexual reproduction is more common, where a piece of the sponge breaks off and attaches to a substrate to form a new individual. Sexual reproduction involves the release of sperm into the water column, which then fertilizes eggs in other sponges.

Habitat

Clathria procera is typically found in the Caribbean Sea and adjacent waters. They inhabit various reef zones, often attaching to hard substrates in areas with strong water movement.