Common name: Vase Sponge

General information

The Vase Sponge, scientifically known as Desmacidon fruticosum, is a fascinating marine invertebrate that adds a touch of natural beauty and biological diversity to saltwater aquariums. This sponge species is characterized by its vase-like shape and can come in a variety of colors, including shades of red, orange, and yellow. Sponges are some of the oldest multicellular organisms on Earth, and they play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem by filtering water and providing habitat for other organisms.

Care

Caring for a Vase Sponge in a home aquarium requires stable water conditions and strong water flow to mimic their natural environment. They are filter feeders, so it's important to ensure that there is a constant supply of fine particulate organic matter for them to consume. Sponges should never be exposed to air, as trapped air bubbles can be fatal. They are best suited for mature, well-established aquariums where water quality is consistently high.

Reproduction

Reproduction in sponges like Desmacidon fruticosum can occur both sexually and asexually. Sexual reproduction involves the release of sperm into the water column, which then fertilizes eggs in other sponges. Asexually, sponges can regenerate from fragments, a process known as budding. In the aquarium, sponges may reproduce asexually if conditions are favorable.

Habitat

Desmacidon fruticosum is typically found in the Atlantic Ocean, from the Caribbean to the Gulf of Mexico. They inhabit a range of depths, often attaching to hard substrates in areas with strong currents that facilitate their filter-feeding lifestyle.