Orange Elephant Ear Sponge

Agelas clathrodes

Maximum Size:

6 ft (1.8 m)

Longevity:

2,000 years or longer.

Typical depth:

35–130 ft (12–40 m)

Behavior:

Named for their resemblance to the ear of an elephant, these large sponges are easily spotted in deeper waters on the reef thanks to their bright coloration and large size. This sponge can take different forms, including thick encrusting, lobed or ridged forms. Like other sponges, they feed by filtering food particles from the surrounding water.

Predators:

Sea turtles, crabs, parrotfish, slugs and many other sea creatures.