Order
Common name: Agelasid Sponges
Scientific name: Agelasida
Agelasida is an order of marine sponges known for their complex skeletal structures composed of spongin fibers and silica. They are characterized by their robust and often brightly colored bodies, which can add a unique aesthetic to reef aquariums. Agelasid sponges are filter feeders, playing a crucial role in nutrient cycling by processing large volumes of water. They require stable water conditions and moderate to strong water flow to thrive. These sponges are also known for producing bioactive compounds, some of which have been studied for their potential pharmaceutical applications.
- Common name: orange elephant ear spongeScientific name: Agelas clathrodes
- Common name: Brown Tube SpongeScientific name: Agelas conifera
- Common name: Rough Tube SpongeScientific name: Agelas dispar
- Common name: Fan SpongeScientific name: Agelas flabelliformis
- Common name: Slimy Branching SpongeScientific name: Agelas gracilis
- Common name: Mauritian SpongeScientific name: Agelas mauritiana
- Common name: Gold SpongeScientific name: Agelas oroides
- Common name: Elephant Ear SpongeScientific name: Agelas schmidtii
- Common name: Living Fossil SpongeScientific name: Astrosclera willeyana