Species · GBIF taxon 2249203
Orange Elephant Ear Sponge
Agelas clathrodesAlso known as Orange Elephant-ear Sponge, Orange Fan Sponge, Lumpy Orange Sponge
This striking marine sponge forms massive, bright reddish-orange structures that resemble giant folded ears, thick fans, or irregular lobes along Caribbean reef slopes. It functions as a vital living filter, pumping massive volumes of seawater through its porous body to extract microscopic food particles. Its complex, cavernous interior provides critical shelter for a diverse community of small reef invertebrates and fish.
MarineReef-dwellingFilter-feeder
- diet
- Plankton, bacteria, and dissolved organic matter
- family
- Agelasidae
- threats
- Ocean warming, sedimentation, physical damage from anchors and divers
- life Span
- Decades to potentially over a century
NE
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Maintain buoyancy: Avoid touching or kicking the sponge, as its structure is fragile and grows very slowly.
- Look for symbionts: Peer closely into its folds to spot tiny crabs, worms, or gobies seeking shelter.