Family

Common name: Halichondrid sponges

Scientific name: Halichondriidae

Halichondriidae, commonly known as Halichondrid sponges, are a family of marine demosponges found in a variety of reef environments. They are characterized by their firm, often massive or encrusting growth forms and a skeleton made of spongin fibers and silica spicules. These sponges are important for their role in reef ecosystems, contributing to the structural complexity and serving as habitats for various small organisms. In the aquarium, they can be interesting additions due to their unique textures and shapes, but they require stable water conditions and moderate to strong water flow to thrive.

  1. Common name: Axinyssa ambrosia
    Scientific name: Axinyssa ambrosia
  2. Common name: Cored Chimney Sponge
    Scientific name: Ciocalypta penicillus
  3. Common name: Deadman's Finger sponge
    Scientific name: Halichondria bowerbanki
  4. Common name: Yellow Sponge
    Scientific name: Halichondria cartilaginea
  5. Blood Sea Star underwater in the St. Lawrence Estuary
    Common name: Breadcrumb Sponge
    Scientific name: Halichondria panicea
  6. Common name: crumb-of-bread sponge
    Scientific name: Hymeniacidon perlevis