Sponge Care/ Basics

[jane of baden]

Marine Sponges: The Keeping of Poriferans in Captivity

 

I am writing this little guide on keeping marine sponges in aquariums in response to requests for more information on these unusual and intriguing aquarium inhabitants. While most of the information is the result of my own experience keeping and raising sponges, I also consulted several books and websites, included (but certainly not limited to) Marine Invertebrates by Dr. R. L. Shimek, 2003 World Book Encyclopedia, and Wikipedia. The following guide contains information on anatomy, biodiversity, care, and other information I deemed important enough to write about. Tempting to skip over, isn’t it? Most reef enthusiasts read these articles for the quick answers- What do I feed my tang? Does the sponge need light? Alas, sponges aren’t simple and the finer points of keeping Poriferans aren’t nearly as well known as they should be. Reading the following paragraphs about sponge anatomy and biodiversity will give you a much better understanding of your new inhabitant and keep you from getting confused by words like ‘spicule’ that are used later on in the guide. I hope this little guide helps future and accidental sponge owners provide optimal care for their sponges, avoid pesky species, and maybe even learn something new!

 

The Anatomy of Sea Sponges

 

All sea sponges have certain common characteristics. To differentiate species, scientists examine the sponges’ spicules- the ‘skeleton’ of a sponge. Although some sponges have exact shapes, most have ambiguous shapes that make identifying individual species basically impossible without a microscope. I will tell you how to harvest samples of sponges’ tissue for identification later. Spicules range in size, from about .01-.6 mm long. They are secreted by the sponge as the sponge grows. Sponges have no heads, no internal organs, and no limbs. All sponges have two types of openings. The first are small pores, commonly known as ostia. Ostia allow water to enter the body. The second type of opening sponges have are known as osculum, which allow water to leave the organism. Some advanced sponges have canals to transport water, as well. Canals and other openings in the sponge lead to many smaller chambers in the sponge. The chambers are lined with choanocytes (also known as collar cells), which trap food particles. Collar cells also have flagellum, which whip around, creating currents that move water through the sponge. Sponges have several other types of cells, including those which flow freely throughout the organism to aid in growth, regeneration, and reproduction. As described, sponges are covered in tiny pores which take in water. When exposed to air, the atria (channels and pores) in the sponge trap air bubbles inside the organism. In the wild, sponges are never exposed to air and therefore have not evolved a mechanism to force air out. For this reason, sponges exposed to air usually experience a fair degree of necrosis.

 

Sponges as Diverse Forms of Life

 

Now, let’s briefly examine the taxonomy of sponges. Sponges were among the first animals to appear on Earth over 500 million years ago, evolving into over 5,000 different species, whose range includes some fresh and almost all marine environments, from tropical reefs, to Antarctic seas. Originally classified as plants, sponges are now recognized in the kingdom Animalia, phylum Porifera. Zoologists have divided sponges into 4 different classes based mostly on structure. Sponges in the class Calcerea have limestone skeletons and are found in many diverse environments. Sponges belonging to the class Hexactinellida are mostly deeper-water marine skeletons with a silica-based skeleton, and are therefore rarely imported for aquarium use. This class of sponges may also be known as glass sponges. The next class, Sclerospongiae, is comprised of sponges mostly found in underwater caves with a silica-spongin based skeleton and a thick foundation of limestone. Due to their unique structure and environment, harvesting and caring for these sponges is extremely difficult and as a result, these sponges are justifiably rarely available to aquarists. Finally, there is the class Demospongiae, the most widely recognized class of sponges. This class includes freshwater and well known marine sponges. Members of this class may have skeletons made of spongin or silica, or both. However, for time’s sake, I will concentrate mostly on sponges in the class Calcerea and Demospongiae.

 

-Class Calcerea

 

Sponges belonging to the class Calcerea are better known as encrusting sponges; sponges that often “hitch hike” on live rock (although we’re the ones taking the rock, hrm, hrm, hrm...) These sponges come in many forms; colors range from white, to deep maroons, to yellows, oranges, pinks, and green/blues. Some superbly interesting sponges native to Florida and the Gulf region are known as bubble ball sponges, or chicken liver sponges. They “droop” over pieces of rock; the body seems to be comprised of tiny white and light brown spheres covered in a clear sheath. Calcareous sponges are generally smaller than demosponges; the most common calcareous sponge is the tubular calcareous sponge (syconoids). Seldom over 1 inch in captivity, this sponge can thrive in tanks of all sizes as long as a suspended food is available. Another good candidate for aquarium keeping is Clathria species. This encrusting sponge is found in the range of the Caribbean to the Pacific, displaying colors ranging from pastels to white. Although individual specimens may not reach over one inch length, there are plenty of recorded exampled where they have spread quite a bit! As previously mentioned, identifying exact species of sponges is nearly impossible without examining the microscopic skeletal structure of the specimen. As a general blanket statement to cover the majority of calcareous sponges found on live rock, these sponges require moderate, but indirect flow and a steady supply of suspended food particles. It is best to keep them out of full light, as it may cause them to become overwhelmed with algal or bacterial overgrowth. Sponge larvae may be on your live rock when you get it, so be sure to keep all your rock completely submerged to ensure later sponge growth. Never, ever touch sponges with your hands, and never, ever expose a sponge to air.

 

-Class Demospongiae

 

Keeping demosponges is a little like playing with fire. Often available at local fish stores or via internet sites, demosponges may have beautiful, fingerlike structure, encrusting structure, or unique cup-like structures, to name a few. Demosponges are beautiful, colorful, fragile, and, to an aquarist not versed in Poriferan care, a possible time bomb. However, with luck and proper care, demosponges can create a breathtaking reef display. Most common demosponges available to marine invertebrate enthusiasts are listed below, along with a brief description of care and compatibility.

 

-Blue Finger Sponges (Haliclona spp.; native to Indo-Pacific)

One of the most beautiful and interesting sponges in the seas; this sponge’s fingerlike projections can reach heights of 12 inches. Haliclona prefer a swifter current, but will not tolerate water movement characteristic of most power heads. Like all sponges, it is reliant on filtering food particulate out from the water, but unlike many other sponges, it contain powerful toxins which allow it relative immunity from algal overgrowth. Because of the strength of these toxins, I would not recommend this type of sponge for aquarium care; this sponge will kill almost any specimen it grows on, and in the event of its death, it could quite possibly release enough toxins to kill other aquarium inhabitants (also known as “nuking” the tank). I’ll detail the keeping of toxic sponge specimens, later.

 

-Tree Sponges (Amphimedon spp., Ptilocaulis spp.; native to Caribbean/ Indo-Pacific)

Another beautiful specimen best left in the wild or in the care of professionals. Growing up to 18 inches, this sponge prefers dim lighting which replicates its natural environment, deeper tropical waters. Lighting may even damage some species! Another sponge super sensitive to flow; avoiding surge or wave-making generators in favor for a steady but diffused flow is the only way to prevent them from literally melting away. Due to the species’ seemingly nonexistent ability to prevent algal contamination, poor survival rates, and potent toxins, this type of sponge is poorly suited to captivity.

 

-Ball Sponges (Orange Ball Sponges, Cinachyra spp.; native to Caribbean/Indo-Pacific)

Although usually less toxic than Blue Fingers, some ball sponges may also be toxic; able to overgrow and paralyzing/killing immobile animals and plants. Gaps between openings may be covered in debris, forming a dirty looking layer between openings. These dirty spots are usually a sign the sponge is healthy and filtering the water for food. These sponges are not even bothered by minor algal overgrowth which usually accumulates on them!

 

-Orange Tree/Paddle Sponges (Clathria spp.; native to Caribbean or Indo-Pacific)

Such unique shape! In the wild, these sponges grow projecting laterally from vertical cliff faces, with paddle diameters approaching over 3 feet! As a result, in the aquarium, a fake cliff should be constructed and flow should be laminar along your fake cliff. Surges and other oscillating flows will harm this delicate Poriferan; so does bright light. However, unless the aquarist is willing to provide such specialized conditions, this sponge will usually die in captivity, releasing potent toxins into the water.

 

Sponges in Aquariums

 

Honestly, many of the most ornamental sponges are simply unsuitable to keep in small aquariums. The majority or demosponges fair best in AT LEAST a 50-100 gallon aquarium with well-established sand beds and microscopic fauna or flora. Demosponges must be securely attached to a rock in an area of acceptable flow and lighting. If precautions are taken, demosponge displays could certainly rival crinoids in exotic beauty. Calcareous sponges are generally ideal candidates for aquariums of all size; many even have colors or patterns as appealing as demosponges. For best results keeping sponges, a constant supply of suspended food is required. I personally use DT’s Supreme Reef Blend (Phytoplankton) every other day and DT’s Oyster Eggs on days where I do not use the phytoplankton. I have found my most successful sponge colonies exist in conditions of indirect to dull lighting and steady, medium current, but indirect flow. Another key to keeping happy sponges is to maintain clear water; small particles of sand or minerals can become lodged in the sponges’ tissues and cause rapid necrosis. If an area of a sponge is rapidly necroding, the take action as soon as possible. Test water, too- a sudden swing in a parameter may be the culprit. Like many corals, isolated necrosis can quickly devastate and entire organism. I personally recently began to use the additive Araga-Milk for my corals; I believe it also benefits the sponges.

 

Before Buying: Let’s Talk Care

 

FLOW

Most sponges have one thing in common- they do not tolerate oscillating, pumping, undiffused, or wave-maker pattern flow. All sponges should be kept in areas with indirect but steady, ‘firm’ flow. Since sponges are filter feeders, in the wild they need a steady stream of water to get enough food. Flow should be strong enough where no particle will end up resting on the sponge’s surface, but gentle enough to not damage the sponge’s somewhat fragile spicules.

 

LIGHTING

Few sponges will tolerate or thrive in bright lighting; most sponges that do like direct lighting prefer a red-end shifted lighting (A lower K rating such as 6500 K; 10000K is whiter light –higher ratio of blue wavelengths- and less beneficial). Sponges generally thrive in indirect or low lighting conditions; unless specifically told otherwise, put your sponge in a shadier part of the tank

 

When Buying Sponges

 

Buying a sponge specimen is sort of like buying Lottery scratch off tickets- you probably will end up losing at least once! Check your LFS to see if their live rock contains sponges; ask for special treatment when bagging the rock or volunteer to do it yourself- most LFSs ‘bag’ live rock by wrapping it in newspaper- an act which will decrease your chance of attaining a healthy specimen. If you are able to provide adequate care for an exact species, many LFSs will special order specimens. Ask to pick it up before they acclimate the specimen to their tanks. This will decrease the chance they’ll expose it to air. If your local LFS already has a specimen for sale, ask to put it on hold for a week or two. If the sponge does not decline in that time period (look for bleaching or melting of tissues) then the sponge was probably handled without much exposure to air. Please, do not harvest sponges from the wild unless you are familiar with the basic care of the specimen- a sponge found growing alone in an overhang in Florida probably won’t be well suited to a spot next to your Yumas.

 

Is it a Sponge or is it a Tunicate?

 

Tunicates are VERY different from sponges, but to the casual observer, they can appear quite similar. Below is a short list of features almost exclusive to either sponges or tunicates.

 

Sponge:

-Does not react quickly to poking, change in water flow, or changes in light

-Appears to have a spiny understructure

-Has several randomly placed openings, not arranged in geometric form (with exception of vase and finger sponges)

 

Tunicate:

-Reacts quickly to stimuli

-Often has geometric shape

-Lives in colonies of several visually separate organisms

-Appears fleshy and lacks stiff support structures

 

Emergency Sponge Care

 

There comes a time in every pet owner’s life when Fido, Muffin, or Tweety has a cold or some manner of illness. Why should your friendly little sponge be an exception?

 

-If there is debris clogging ostia

This is a fairly common problem, especially after recently scrubbing algae off the glass or stirring up particulate. After the water settles, gently create a temporary current over the ostia by sucking and blowing on a section of airline tubing, dislodging the matter. Make sure you don’t bIf this does not work, use a sterile pair of tweezers, turn off all power heads and CAREFULLY manually dislodge the particulate.

 

-RTN (Random Tissue Necrosis)

There are a few different types of necrosis visible in sponges- the first is ‘bleaching.’ From my experience, I have not seen bleaching spread to more of the tissues once the underlying cause of the bleaching was taken care of. In fact, bleaching can even be reversible over time, provided proper conditions are present. More on this later.

 

 

Collecting Tissue Samples Safely and Humanely

 

To collect a tissue sample from your sponge, the most useful tools are a scalpel and a pair of forceps. Use the forceps to secure an area of the sponge, cut the area away cleanly with a sterile scalpel. To use the tissue in identifying sponge species, a book detailing spicule structure and occurrence, a microscope, and a slide making kit is needed. Slice thin sheets of the tissue with the scalpel to create slides; I’ve heard dying the tissue greatly enhances visibility. Check online suppliers for lab supplies and local universities for books on Poriferans. If you are trying to determine whether your sponge is a demosponge of calcareous sponge, you can use tissue samples to conduct at-home tests. Only about 4-5 mm of sponge tissue is needed to conduct this test. Simply use your forceps to handle the tissue (your hands’ oils will destroy the tissue!). Dissolve the sample in a little bleach. Add DI water, and rinse the remains. Glasslike particles should remain in the container. Add a little vinegar- if the solution effervesces (bubbles), then it is a calcareous sponge; if it does not it is likely a demosponge!

 

Conclusion

 

I hope this guide clears things up- please feel free to add information, or email me about sponges; I’m always interested.

[jeremai]

Whew. Looks good to me, although photos would rock.

 

Nice job, jane.

[non-photosynt]

Thanks for the info!

What minimal size of the tank where you kept sponges, or this 10g tank only? Some hardware description and location; quantity of food per quantity of animals, that doesn't rise nitrates with your filtration, please?

Any details will be highly appreciated - there are very few successful keepers, posting them.

 

I'm still figting with food quantity and frequency, that is enough to keep non-photosynthetic invertebrates growing, but have to do the big water changes weekly - nitrates had risen 30 ppm per week in 6g (not only sponges, mainly for a new Diogorgonia). I can post feeding details, if anyone is interested. No filtration other than a lot of LR, no place for refugium or DSB in a bucket found yet.

[tinyreef]

very well done! :thumbsup:

 

have you looked into tyree's books on sponges and cryptic environments? very good reading.

[Mr. Fosi]

Could this be considered for article status?

[jane of baden]

Could this be considered for article status?

 

Ommfg.

 

What an honor. I'm actually going to do a little editting tonight and include a little more on feeding and such... It occured to me after posting that I may be the only one who really cares about the differences in the composition of spicules among sponges.

[jeremai]

Well, I care, if that helps any - but yeah, most folk on here would skip right past to the care and feeding sections.

[Mr. Fosi]

Maybe you mentioned it and I missed it, but some sponges use their spicules as prizms and lenses to focus light energy onto chloroplasts.

[jane of baden]

Maybe you mentioned it and I missed it, but some sponges use their spicules as prizms and lenses to focus light energy onto chloroplasts.

 

 

I will be sure to add it. It seems most sponges are non-photosynthetic, though, especially those ornamental ones available at aquarium stores.

[Mr. Fosi]

I'll dig up a citation for you so it isn't a supposed fact.

[jane of baden]

I'll dig up a citation for you so it isn't a supposed fact.

 

I dont doubt you, it's just most sponges I have experience with don't do well in lighting- there certainly are a few exceptions- i would love to see the article though sounds most interesting

[jeremai]

Here's a paper you might like.

[Mr. Fosi]

The particular species is Rossella racovitzae.

 

Here is a popular press article about them, a portion of the Underwater Field Guide to Ross Island & McMurdo Sound, Antarctica and looked briefly for a journal article, but I have 9mo pregnant wife who wants to eat.

 

From the Underwater Field Guide:

 

R. racovitzae spicules act as natural optical fibers and shade-adapted diatoms adhere to its spicules, living inside the sponge, using the light channeled down the spicules for photosynthesis. Many benthic diatoms live within the sponge spicule mat on the seafloor; the sponge spicules create a dimensional matrix in the sediment in which the diatoms live, as well as act as optical fibers channeling light a short distance (five centimeters) into the mat, thus enhancing benthic diatom photosynthesis.

[non-photosynt]

I am one of those, who the most appreciates practical aspects of the sponges systems and examples of successfull keeping.

Just compare, for example: in-depth general article, that informs you, that euphyllias in nano-systems should be positioned at the distance min 4", and detailed thread by brandon429 at reefs.org nano-forums, who keeps them in 0.5g pico tank with photos and description, how he solved this problem. And I'm keeping half-empty NC6 because of the sweeping tentacles...

 

About white necrosed tissue - removing it by placing sponge in the flow from powerhead, is here. I wouldn't toss away my orange tree sponge, if only I know this in time. BTW, don't laugh/cry, but necrosis started after I cleaned sponge with soft new toothbrush from red slime algae.

 

Most useful for me info, other than feeding (water quality - concentration of food, when overfeeding starts) and tank specifications, is critical flow and lights; it seems that the red with white dots encrusting sponge was in too high ligh (low in reef sense) and too high turbulent flow (again, low for reefkeeping).

 

Most grateful for the provided information, Jane.

[non-photosynt]

Question: just found mentioning on Steve Tyree forums, that

silica apparently needed for adequate sponge growth.

Any info on special needs, like this, for the sponges, anyone?

Thanks.

[Mr. Fosi]

Silica is not apparantly needed, it is certainly needed. There may be other things, but I would have to look them up.

 

I have a source to cite on that, but I am at school and the source it at home. I'll post it this evening if I can remember to do so.

[formerly icyuodd/icyoud2]

hey guys, i have a jet black sponge thats thriving dirrectly under a 175 mh. (8" away)

 

the areas that are shaded from the light, are a much lighter blue/grey color.

i've never been able to id it.

figured i'd ask our resident pro. what do you think? it obviously like the light, it keeps growing towards it.

 

reminds me alot of sea pork, but as you can tell the peige sea pork in the same area isnt doing well.

 

[Mr. Fosi]

"[sponges] are without a true gut -- if we define gut as a digestive tube lined by endodermal epithelium from a mouth. The only internal space is the so-called paragaster, often in the form of a series of cavities, pores, canals, and chambers through which water is caused to flow. This water current, which subserves all functions of feeding, respiration, excretion, and reproduction of the sponge cells, is created by the peculiar cells which line the paragaster. These cells which are diagnostic of the group as a whole, are the choanocytes or "collar-cells". The flagella of the choanocytes create the water current which allows sponges to feed on fine suspended food particles. When filtered out of the water current, these are ingested by the choanocytes and then undergo intracellular digestion such as is found in protozoa...

 

Of course, the creation of positive pressures and currents of water on any scale requires that the cell layers of more complex sponges be supported against deformation by skeletal elements. These may be spicules of varying form and mineral compositions or of fibers of secreted protein termed spongin. Specialized amoebocytes of the mesenchyme secrete both: scleroblasts the former, and spongocytes the latter. The processes of spicule secretion were worked out by careful microscopy [around 1900] for the sponges with calcareous spicules... The processes as regard siliceous spicules... which also seems to involve single cells... the silica is laid down in concentric cylinders around an initial organic strand. Spongin fibers are apparantly secreted by spongocytes which arrange themselves in rows in the mesenchyme and then lay down a fiber of protein, usually as part of a network or branching system. It is obvious that the sponges which produce siliceous spicules must utilize markedly different biochemical processes from those in sponges which secrete calcareous spicules. Further, since in both cases the inorganic salts must be concentrated from the surrounding sea water, and since the concentration of silica is several orders of magnitude less than that of calcium, the silceous sponges must exend much more energy in obtaining their skeletal material. A simple experiment is possible with calcareous sponges. If these are placed in calcium free sea water, not only are they unable to form new spicules, but those already present seem to dissolve out and the sponge as a whole collapses and degenerates."

 

~ Taken from: W. D. Russell-Hunter (Syracuse University and Marine Biological Laboratory), A Biology of Lower Invertibrates.The Macmillan Company, New York (1968).

 

I am sure that there is newer stuff out there, but this is what I had in the book rack in my bathroom.

[jane of baden]

Woo!! So many replies! I've got to be in the hospital for a few hours but I will definitely update this tonight. Glad everyone enjoys!

[non-photosynt]

I hope, that you'll feel better, Jane.

 

Silica - I routinely use phosphates with silicates removing resing, PhosGuard. Somehow just forgot about silicates.

What else, we should pay attention for?

 

Just an idea - can we make sponges ID thread, including encrusting kinds, with special care requirements for a main groups? Share knowledge, experience or just educated guess.

I have several kinds (thread is here, that behave different in almost the same place. Really would like to save them, or any new sponges that I'll be able to find in the future.

[Mr. Fosi]

Hard to identify sponges. What morphology (other than spicules) can be used to identify them?

[non-photosynt]

It never happened to me, that what I was thinking was a sponge - could be in reality a colonial turnicate.

When attempting to identify whether an in-tank mass is a sponge or a colonial tunicate, he suggested taking a look at the spacing of the openings in the surface of the animal. Equidistant spacing of these openings is indicative that your animal is a tunicate and not a sponge.

about Steeve Tyree

[jane of baden]

Updating in a few minutes guys, stand by!

[jane of baden]

partially updated, still a little more to do.

[jeremai]

Huh - I always thought Eric Borneman was old(er)...

 

Anyway, looks good so far. Can't wait to see what you cook up next.