Common name: Orange Puffball Sponge

Scientific name: Suberites carnosus (Johnston, 1842)
Fleshy horny sponge (Suberites carnosus) in Etang de Thau (France)

General information

The Orange Puffball Sponge, scientifically known as Suberites carnosus, is a species of marine sponge found in various parts of the world's oceans. It is known for its bright orange color and globular, puffball-like shape. This sponge is a filter feeder, drawing in water to extract nutrients and oxygen.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
100 liter (26 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
Temperature
22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 7.8 to 8.4
Average size
30 cm (1′)
Care level
Moderate to easy Requires stable water conditions.
Diet
Carnivore Feeds on bacteria and 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 Suberitida
    Suberitida
  5. Family
    Sponge family Suberitidae
    Suberitidae
  6. Genus
    Suberites sponges
    Suberites
  7. Species
    Orange Puffball Sponge
    Suberites carnosus (Johnston, 1842)
  8. Synonyms
    Halichondria carnosus Johnston, 1842
    Halichondria carnosus typica Johnston, 1842
    Hymeniacidon carnosa (Johnston, 1842)
    Pseudosuberites carnosus (Johnston, 1842)
    Suberites carnosus typica (Johnston, 1842)
    Tethya carnosus (Johnston, 1842)

Care

In the aquarium, Suberites carnosus requires a moderate level of care. It thrives in tanks with strong water flow and good water quality, which are essential for delivering the planktonic food it needs. It is important to maintain stable conditions as sudden changes can stress the sponge.

Reproduction

Sponges like Suberites carnosus can reproduce both sexually and asexually. In the aquarium, asexual reproduction through budding or fragmentation is more common. Hobbyists may notice small pieces detaching and growing into new sponges.

Symbiosis

Suberites carnosus does not have any notable symbiotic relationships that are of particular interest to aquarium hobbyists. However, it can provide microhabitats for various small organisms within its structure.

Habitat

The natural habitat of the Orange Puffball Sponge includes rocky substrates and coral reefs where it attaches itself firmly. It can be found at various depths, often in areas with strong currents that facilitate its filter-feeding lifestyle.