Common name: Elephant Ear Sponge

Scientific name: Phyllospongia lamellosa (Esper, 1794)

General information

The Elephant Ear Sponge, Phyllospongia lamellosa, is a species of marine sponge found in the warm waters of the Indo-Pacific region. This sponge is known for its distinctive ear-like shape and lamellar structure, which provides a large surface area for filtering water. It is a filter feeder, consuming microscopic plankton and organic particles suspended in the water.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
100 liter (26 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.023 to 1.025
Temperature
24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
30 cm (1′)
Care level
Moderate to easy Requires stable water conditions
Diet
Omnivore Feeds on microorganisms
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Peaceful
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Sponges
    Porifera
  3. Class
    Demosponges
    Demospongiae
  4. Order
    Sponge Order Dictyoceratida
    Dictyoceratida
  5. Family
    Siliceous Sponges
    Thorectidae
  6. Genus
    Lamellate sponge
    Phyllospongia
  7. Species
    Elephant Ear Sponge
    Phyllospongia lamellosa (Esper, 1794)
  8. Synonyms
    Cacospongia lamellosa (Esper, 1794)
    Carteriospongia radiata Hyatt, 1877
    Carteriospongia radiata complexa Hyatt, 1877
    Carteriospongia radiata dulsiana Hyatt, 1877
    Mauricea lacinulosa Carter, 1877
    Phyllospongia madagascariensis (Hyatt, 1877)
    Phyllospongia radiata (Hyatt, 1877)
    Spongia laciniata Lamarck, 1814
    Spongia lamellosa Esper, 1794
    Spongia polyphylla Lamarck, 1814
    Strepsichordaia radiata (Hyatt, 1877)

Care

Phyllospongia lamellosa requires a well-established reef aquarium with stable water conditions and moderate to strong water flow to mimic its natural habitat. It is essential to maintain high water quality, as sponges are sensitive to elevated levels of nitrates and other pollutants. They do not require additional feeding, as they will filter feed from the water column.

Reproduction

Sponges like Phyllospongia lamellosa reproduce both sexually and asexually. Sexual reproduction involves the release of sperm into the water column, which then fertilizes eggs in other sponges. Asexually, they can reproduce by budding, where a part of the sponge breaks off and develops into a new individual.

Habitat

Phyllospongia lamellosa is typically found on reef slopes and overhangs in the Indo-Pacific region. They are often seen at depths ranging from shallow waters to deeper reef areas, where they attach to hard substrates.