Common name: Orange Puffball Sponge
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
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumSpongesPorifera
- ClassDemospongesDemospongiae
- OrderSponge Order SuberitidaSuberitida
- FamilySponge family SuberitidaeSuberitidae
- GenusSuberites spongesSuberites
- SpeciesOrange Puffball SpongeSuberites carnosus (Johnston, 1842)
- SynonymsHalichondria carnosus Johnston, 1842Halichondria carnosus typica Johnston, 1842Hymeniacidon 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.