Genus

Common name: Agelas Sponges

Scientific name: Agelas

Agelas is a genus of sponges found in reef environments known for their unique chemical compounds with potential pharmaceutical applications. These sponges are characterized by a fibrous skeleton which provides a sturdy structure. They often exhibit a range of colors from orange to brown and have a distinctive, branching shape. Agelas sponges are filter feeders, playing a crucial role in nutrient cycling within the reef ecosystem. In the aquarium, they require stable water conditions and moderate to low water flow to thrive.

  1. Caribbean coral reef
    Common name: orange elephant ear sponge
    Scientific name: Agelas clathrodes
  2. Agelas conifera, brown tube sponge
    Common name: Brown Tube Sponge
    Scientific name: Agelas conifera
  3. Common name: Rough Tube Sponge
    Scientific name: Agelas dispar
  4. Common name: Fan Sponge
    Scientific name: Agelas flabelliformis
  5. Branching sponge weed and seaweed
    Common name: Slimy Branching Sponge
    Scientific name: Agelas gracilis
  6. Common name: Mauritian Sponge
    Scientific name: Agelas mauritiana
  7. Oranger Demosponge (Agelas oroides), Corfu, Greece, Europe
    Common name: Gold Sponge
    Scientific name: Agelas oroides
  8. Orange Elephant Ear Sponge (Agelas Clathrodes)
    Common name: Elephant Ear Sponge
    Scientific name: Agelas schmidtii