Frilly Sponge

The frilly sponge, scientifically known as Clathria rugosa (or Clathria prolifera depending on region), is a striking sessile marine invertebrate native to the warm coastal waters of the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean. Growing to an average height and width of 3 to 6 inches (7.5 to 15 centimeters), it is easily identified by its vibrant orange-red to bright yellow coloration and its unique, fan-shaped structure composed of intricate, ruffled or frilly lobes.

Like all poriferans, the frilly sponge is a non-photosynthetic filter feeder that relies entirely on water currents to bring food to its microscopic pores. It uses specialized inner cells to pump water through its body cavity, filtering out microscopic organic detritus, bacteria, and phytoplankton. Because it contains no photosynthetic zooxanthellae, it does not require strong aquarium lighting and prefers shaded or low-light areas of the tank to prevent nuisance algae from growing over its tissue.

In a home reef aquarium, keeping a frilly sponge requires moderate to strong, indirect water flow to supply nutrients and keep its surfaces clean of settling sediment. Aquarists must provide targeted liquid phytoplankton feedings regularly to keep it from starving. Crucially, like all sponges, the frilly sponge must never be exposed to air during handling or transport, as trapped air bubbles in its internal pore structure permanently block water intake and cause the organism to rot from within.