Related FAQs: Sponges, Sponges 2,  Sponges 3,  Sponges 4, Sponge Identification, Sponge ID 2, Sponge ID 3, S Sponge ID 4, Sponge ID 5, Sponge ID 6, Sponge ID 7, Sponge ID 8, Sponge ID 9, Sponge ID 10, Sponge ID 11, Sponge ID 12, Sponge ID 13, Sponge ID 14, Sponge ID 15, Sponge ID 16, Sponge ID 17, Sponge ID 18, Sponge ID 19, Sponge ID 20, Sponge ID 21, & Sponge Selection, Sponge Compatibility, Sponge Systems, Sponge Feeding, Sponge Disease, Sponge Reproduction,  Related Articles: Invertebrates, Live Rock, Ascidians/Sea Squirts, Review of  Tyree's "Cryptic Filtration" Book /The Best Livestock For Your Reef Aquarium: Sponges, Phylum Porifera, Part 9 To: Sponges Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 10,

By Bob Fenner

Family Spirastrellidae: Characterized as most Poriferans by minute structural details. Contain peculiar spicules (spinispirae). Megascleres are tylostyles, generally radially arranged. Some species bore into rock, corals, leading to their disintegration.

Spirastrella coccinea, a relatively common encrusting sponge, here in Cozumel, a close-up by Diana.F.

Bigger PIX: The images in this table are linked to large (desktop size) copies. Click on "framed" images to go to the larger size.

Spirastrella hartmani, High-Veined Encrusting Sponge. Salmon to light orange in color. Distinctive raised elements with ribs and big osculae. Roatan 2019.

Spirastrella (Sphenciospongia) vagabunda Ridley 1884, the Vagabond Boring Sponge. Bores its way into carbonate places (rock, corals...) by acidic secretion. An important group of organisms for "recycling" limestone. Hawai'i photos.

Bigger PIX: The images in this table are linked to large (desktop size) copies. Click on "framed" images to go to the larger size.

Genus Strongylophora: 

Strongylophora sp., Amorphous Cave Sponge. Creamy though hard to the touch, fuzzy finger-like appearance. Found deep in caves and lava tubes (Pukas), covering walls at times. Kona pix.

Genus Stylinos: 

Stylinos sp., Orange Stylinos Sponge. Rough cellulose appearance. Soft material that is easily torn, but don't touch. This sponge will stain and irritate skin. Only a few inches across. Kona pix.

Genus Stylotella: 

Stylotella aurantium (Halicohondrida, Halichondriidae), Fiji and the P.I.

Genus Suberites: 

Suberites sp., Blue Suberites Sponge. Intensely blue, as thin sheets. Occurs in high surge areas. Colonies in crevices are a few inches across. Kona pix.

Bigger PIX: The images in this table are linked to large (desktop size) copies. Click on "framed" images to go to the larger size.

Genus Tedania: 

Tedania ignis, Fire Sponge. Tropical West Atlantic down to 35 ft. 4-12 inches overall. Distinctive volcano-like excurrent openings. Orange to bright red in color overall. Irritating to the touch. Bahamas and Bonaire pix.

Bigger PIX: The images in this table are linked to large (desktop size) copies. Click on "framed" images to go to the larger size.

Genus Theonella: 

Theonella swinhoei Red Sea image.

Genus Ulosa: 

Ulosa ruetzleri, the Orange Lumpy Encrusting Sponge. Up to a foot across. Found mostly about dead corals and Mangrove roots. TiffB pic in Curacao.

Genus Xestospongia: 

Xestospongia muta, the Giant Barrel Sponge. To six feet in height. Rough, jagged, very hard exterior. Bahamas pic.

Verticals (Full/Cover Page Sizes Available)

Bigger PIX: The images in this table are linked to large (desktop size) copies. Click on "framed" images to go to the larger size.

To: Sponges Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 10,