Common name: Stinker Sponge
General information
The Stinker Sponge, scientifically known as Ircinia felix, is a species of sponge found in the Caribbean Sea. It is known for its strong, unpleasant odor when removed from the water, which is where its common name 'Stinker Sponge' originates. This sponge has a rough, textured surface and can vary in color from dark brown to greenish-black.
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 8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 30 cm (1′)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Requires stable water conditions.
- Diet
- Planktonivore Filters water for plankton.
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumSpongesPorifera
- ClassDemospongesDemospongiae
- OrderSponge Order DictyoceratidaDictyoceratida
- FamilyIrciniidae SpongesIrciniidae
- GenusIrcinia SpongeIrcinia
- SpeciesStinker SpongeIrcinia felix (Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864)
- SynonymsHircinia armata (Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864)Hircinia armata fistularis Verrill, 1907Hircinia campana felix (Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864)Hircinia filamenta Hyatt, 1877Hircinia fistularis Verrill, 1907Hircinia nigra Hyatt, 1877Ircinia felix acuta Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864Ircinia felix fistularis (Verrill, 1907)Ircinia fistularis (Verrill, 1907)Polytherses acuta Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864Polytherses armata Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864Polytherses columnaris Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864Polytherses felix Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864
Care
Ircinia felix is not commonly kept in home aquariums due to its odor and specific care requirements. However, for advanced hobbyists with a species-specific setup, it is possible to maintain this sponge. It requires a well-established tank with stable water conditions and strong water flow to mimic its natural environment. It is a filter feeder, relying on the water flow to bring food particles to it.
Reproduction
Sponges, including Ircinia felix, have a unique reproductive strategy that includes both asexual and sexual reproduction. They can reproduce asexually through budding or fragmentation, and sexually by releasing sperm into the water column to fertilize eggs in other sponges.
Habitat
Ircinia felix is typically found in shallow waters on coral reefs or rocky substrates in the Caribbean. It prefers areas with moderate to strong currents which facilitate its filter-feeding lifestyle.