Xestospongia muta
Giant Barrel Sponge
Maximum Size:
6 ft (1.8 m)
Longevity:
2,000 years or longer.
Typical depth:
33–99 ft (10–30 m)
Behavior:
Sponges, as a group, have been around for 500 million years. They draw water through their walls, filtering out food particles, then expel the waste water through the osculum opening at the top. They often provide shelter for countless reef fish and invertebrates.
Predators:
Green and hawksbill sea turtles, sea slugs, crabs, parrotfish, rock beauties and many other reef creatures.
Did you know?
Giant barrel sponges are often called the redwoods of the coral reef due to their massive size.
