Reeflings

Common name: giant barrel sponge

Scientific name: Xestospongia muta (Schmidt, 1870)
Giant Barrel Sponge and Gray AngelfishGiant barrel sponge on a coral reef, roatan island, honduras
Giant Barrel Sponge(xestospongia muta)Giant Barrel Sponges (Xestopongia muta), Roatan marine park, Caribbean Scuba Diving, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras, Central America

General information

The Giant Barrel Sponge, Xestospongia muta, is one of the most iconic sponge species found on Caribbean coral reefs. It is known for its impressive size and longevity, with some individuals living for hundreds of years and growing to several meters in diameter. The species is characterized by its barrel-like shape and reddish-brown color, which can vary depending on depth and water conditions.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
200 liter (53 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
2 m (6′7″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Needs strong water flow
Diet
Planktivore Feeds on plankton in the water column
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Peaceful
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Sponges
    Porifera
  3. Class
    Demosponges
    Demospongiae
  4. Order
    Haplosclerida sponges
    Haplosclerida
  5. Family
    Stone Sponges
    Petrosiidae
  6. Genus
    Giant Barrel Sponge
    Xestospongia
  7. Species
    giant barrel sponge
    Xestospongia muta (Schmidt, 1870)
  8. Synonyms
    Schmidtia muta Schmidt, 1870

Care

In the aquarium, Xestospongia muta requires a well-established system with stable water quality. They are filter feeders and need a constant supply of planktonic food to thrive. Strong water flow is essential to mimic their natural habitat and prevent sediment from settling on their surface, which can lead to tissue necrosis.

Reproduction

Reproduction in Xestospongia muta is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve both asexual and sexual methods. Asexual reproduction occurs through budding or fragmentation, while sexual reproduction involves the release of gametes into the water column during synchronized spawning events.

Habitat

Giant Barrel Sponges are typically found on coral reefs and adjacent habitats, often at depths ranging from shallow waters to over 120 meters. They prefer vertical surfaces and overhangs which provide optimal conditions for filter feeding. In the wild, they are distributed throughout the Caribbean Sea and the adjacent parts of the Atlantic Ocean.