Common name: boring sponge
General information
The Boring Sponge, Cliona celata, is a species of demosponge that is known for its unique ability to bore into calcareous substrates, including mollusk shells and limestone. This sponge is characterized by its yellow to orange color and its irregular, often encrusting shape. It is a filter feeder, drawing in water to extract nutrients and oxygen.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 100 liter (26 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 7.8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 10 cm (4″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Requires stable water conditions
- Diet
- Omnivore Feeds on microorganisms in water
- Reefsafe
- No Borers that can damage coral skeletons
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumSpongesPorifera
- ClassDemospongesDemospongiae
- OrderBoring SpongesClionaida
- FamilyClionaid SpongesClionaidae
- GenusClionaCliona
- Speciesboring spongeCliona celata Grant, 1826
- SynonymsCliona alderi Hancock, 1849Cliona angulata Hancock, 1849Cliona celata linearis Sollas, 1878Cliona clio (Nardo, 1839)Cliona coccinea (Nardo, 1839)Cliona globulifera Hancock, 1867Cliona gorgonioides Hancock, 1849Cliona griffithsii (Bowerbank, 1866)Cliona hystrix (Johnston, 1842)Cliona pasithea (Nardo, 1839)Cliona sulphurea (Desor, 1851)Cliona tenebrosus (Bowerbank, 1882)Cliona terebrans (Duvernoy, 1840)Cliona typica (Nardo, 1833)Halichondria celata (Grant, 1826)Halichondria hystrix Johnston, 1842Hymeniacidon celatus (Grant, 1826)Hymeniacidon tenebrosus Bowerbank, 1882Pione typica (Nardo, 1833)Raphyrus griffithsii Bowerbank, 1866
Care
In the aquarium, Cliona celata can be a challenging species to keep due to its boring nature. It requires a stable environment with adequate calcium levels to support its boring activity. Care should be taken to monitor the sponge's impact on other calcareous organisms in the tank.
Reproduction
Boring Sponges reproduce both sexually and asexually. Sexual reproduction occurs through the release of gametes into the water column, while asexual reproduction happens through budding or fragmentation. In an aquarium setting, sexual reproduction is less common.
Symbiosis
Cliona celata has a notable symbiotic relationship with certain microorganisms, including bacteria and algae, which can live within its tissues. These symbionts can contribute to the sponge's nutrition and may influence its boring activity.
Habitat
The natural habitat of Cliona celata spans from the intertidal zone to depths of over 200 meters. It is commonly found in the North Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and along the coasts of North America and Europe.