Below is just a little info i have found about sponges ...

Sponges may be a useful addition to reef tanks as they are filter feeders specializing in very small particles such as bacteria and smaller. Because they feed on such small particles, from several microns to less than a micron, they may not be competing with other filter feeders that eat zooplankton or algae. In theory they could reduce bacterial levels in the water taking out things that pass through the finest mechanical filters.

The basic sponge is REALLY a simple animal. It consists of a cylinder lined inside and out by cells. In between the outside layer of cells and the inside layer of cells is the area of the matrix (also called mesoglea, a name which means "middle jelly"). The cylinder wall is perforated by many tiny pores connecting the water outside of the sponge cylinder with the inside cavity. These pores give sponges their scientific name of Phylum Porifera (Porifera is derived from Greek words meaning "pore bearing").

Though plant-like in appearance, sponges are actually one of the most primitive animals in the sea. They belong to a group called porifera. Most of us are familiar with the dried colorless varieties that populate the kitchens and bathrooms of the world. But in the ocean, live sponges can be found in an infinite variety of colors and shapes. Most of them are relatively small, but some varieties can grow to over 6 feet in diameter. Sponges differ from all other marine invertebrates in that they have no true tissues or organs. Their structure is composed of simple aggregations of cells. The name porifera means pore bearer. The tissue of sponges encloses a vast network of chambers and canals that connect to the open pores on their surface. Sponges feed by drawing a current of water in through their pores, filtering out the nutrients, and then ejecting it out through an opening. Many sponges on the reef resemble some of the corals in shape and color, but upon closer inspection the difference is apparent. They are one of the many life forms unique to the ocean environment. Sea squirts are very similar to sponges in appearance. They belong to a group called chordata. They are usually found growing in clusters on rocks. Like sponges, they filter particles of food from the water by pumping it through tiny pores and then expelling it through a central opening.

The Ball Sponge is a very popular sponge for the home aquarium. These sponges make tremendous backdrops and add to the life of an aquarium. The Ball Sponge is available in a crimson red color. It should not be exposed to air when introduced into the aquarium. When adding this item to the aquarium be sure to submerge the bag which carries it and release the water from the bag along with the sponge. They add a lot of color to all aquariums and are very hardy if provided excellent water quality and a strong water flow. Keep these Sponges in a low-light area to prevent algae growth on their surface.


Sponges are identified as Porifera and do not produce any tissue or organs. Sponges use small holes called "pores" to suck in water and pump it through the interior of the Sponge. As the water is filtered through the Sponge oxygen and food are removed. There are many different types of Sponge ranging in shape from balls to ropes. Sponges are one of the few animals that have no known protective defense mechanism or response to any threatening organism.

more to come soon ...