A sessile sponge of shallow tropical and subtropical coral reefs, commonly attached to hard reef substrate, walls, ledges, and shaded areas with moderate water movement.
Distribution
Western Atlantic and Caribbean region, including Florida, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Gulf of Mexico, the Greater and Lesser Antilles, and northern South America.
Conservation status
Least Concern
Edibility
Not suitable for consumption. This sponge is not a food species and contains bioactive defensive compounds; do not eat or collect it for food.
Danger level
Caution
Usual observation depth
5–25 m
Lifespan (years)
0
Behaviour
Sessile and non-social. It grows as a conspicuous, often solitary but sometimes clustered reef sponge, filtering large volumes of water continuously. It has no known nocturnal activity pattern.
Observation zones
Coral reef, reef wall, ledge, overhang, and other hard-substrate zones; especially shallow reef slopes and shaded reef structures.
Diet
Filter feeder. It captures bacteria, dissolved organic matter, and very small planktonic particles from seawater.
Reproduction
Unknown
Identification marks
Large, thick, irregular lobes or ear-like folds; usually bright orange to orange-red; surface is rough and visibly porous, with several large round to oval excurrent openings (oscula).
Similar species
It can be confused with other orange Caribbean Agelas sponges, particularly Agelas dispar and Agelas sceptrum. Agelas clathrodes is generally recognized by its broad, thick ear-like lobes and multiple prominent oscula; sponge identification from photographs alone can remain uncertain.
Approach rules
Observe without touching, holding, scraping, or collecting. Keep good buoyancy and avoid fin contact, as sponge tissue is easily damaged. Do not feed wildlife nearby. Use only restrained lighting; avoid prolonged close flash exposure.
Protection
Globally assessed by the IUCN as Least Concern. Avoid collection and physical damage, and follow site-specific marine protected area rules where applicable.
