Species · GBIF taxon 2239280
Yellow Tube Sponge
Aplysina fistularisAlso known as Yellow Sponge, Golden Tube Sponge, Piped Sponge
Yellow tube sponges stand like sculptural pipes on Caribbean reefs, pumping massive volumes of seawater through their porous walls to filter out microscopic food. These colonial organisms provide vital structural habitat for small reef fish, crabs, and worms that shelter inside their hollow tubes. When exposed to air or damaged, their brilliant golden-yellow tissue undergoes a chemical reaction, rapidly turning a dark purple or black.
MarineFilter FeederReef Dweller
- diet
- Microscopic plankton, bacteria, and dissolved organic matter
- family
- Aplysinidae
- threats
- Ocean acidification, warming sea temperatures, and physical damage from anchors or divers
- life Span
- Up to 100 years or more
NE
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Look but Don't Touch: Sponge tissues are incredibly delicate and easily damaged by human contact.
- Watch for Residents: Peer carefully into the open tubes to spot tiny gobies or snapping shrimp hiding inside.
- Maintain Buoyancy: Keep fins well clear of the reef to avoid snapping these slow-growing structures.