Common name: Giant Barrel Sponge

General information

The Giant Barrel Sponge, Cribrochalina vasculum, is a large and long-lived sponge species found in tropical reef environments. It is known for its impressive size, often resembling a giant barrel or vase, hence its common names. This sponge is a filter feeder, drawing in water through its pores to extract nutrients and oxygen. It plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by filtering vast amounts of water and providing habitat for a variety of marine organisms.

Care

In the home aquarium, Cribrochalina vasculum requires a stable environment with strong water flow and excellent water quality to mimic its natural reef habitat. It is not a common species in the aquarium trade, primarily due to its large size and slow growth rate. Hobbyists who wish to keep this sponge should ensure they have a mature system with established biological filtration.

Reproduction

Giant Barrel Sponges reproduce both sexually and asexually. Sexual reproduction involves the release of sperm into the water column, which then fertilizes eggs within neighboring sponges. Asexually, they can reproduce by budding or fragmentation. In an aquarium setting, sexual reproduction is unlikely, but fragments that break off can sometimes grow into new individuals if conditions are suitable.

Habitat

Cribrochalina vasculum is typically found in warm, tropical waters on coral reefs and adjacent habitats. It prefers deeper areas with strong currents, which facilitate its filter-feeding lifestyle. In the wild, these sponges can be found at depths ranging from shallow waters to over 120 meters deep.