Common name: Carter's Stylissa
General information
Stylissa carteri, commonly known as Carter's Stylissa or Yellow Sponge, is a species of marine sponge found in reef environments. This sponge is known for its bright yellow coloration and branching, tree-like structure, which adds a vibrant and dynamic element to any reef aquarium. It is part of the Demospongiae class, which is the largest class within the phylum Porifera, encompassing about 90% of all sponge species.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 100 liter (26 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 7.8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 10 cm (4″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Requires stable conditions
- Diet
- Omnivore Feeds on microorganisms
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumSpongesPorifera
- ClassDemospongesDemospongiae
- OrderSerpulid WormsScopalinida
- FamilyScooter BlenniesScopalinidae
- GenusStylissaStylissa
- SpeciesCarter's StylissaStylissa carteri (Dendy, 1889)
- SynonymsAcanthella aurantiaca Keller, 1889Acanthella carteri Dendy, 1889Axinella carteri (Dendy, 1889)Phakellia carteri (Dendy, 1889)
Care
Carter's Stylissa is a non-photosynthetic sponge that requires a specialized care regime. It feeds on dissolved organic matter and plankton in the water column, so it's essential to maintain a steady supply of food through regular dosing of phytoplankton or specialized sponge diets. Good water flow is crucial to deliver food to the sponge and to prevent sediment from settling on its surface, which can lead to tissue necrosis.
Symbiosis
While not known for hosting other organisms like some other sponges, Stylissa carteri does play a role in the reef ecosystem by filtering water and providing microhabitats for a variety of microorganisms.
Habitat
Stylissa carteri is typically found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to the Western Pacific. It thrives in a range of reef habitats, from shallow lagoons to deeper slopes, often attaching to hard substrates where it can maximize water flow for feeding.