Sponge ID

[tebstan]

What is this?


http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss9/TebstansTank/Refugium/SpongeMacro5-24-11.jpg





http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss9/TebstansTank/Refugium/SpongeMacrocloseupA5-24-11.jpg



http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss9/TebstansTank/Refugium/SpongeMacrocloseupB5-24-11.jpg



When I got it I was told it might be a macro algae. Uh, nah, it’s a sponge. I was also told it would “sting” if touched. Psshh. This sounded preposterous, so I touched it to test. (Not the best method, I admit...) It didn’t hurt at all, and it was definitely of a spongy nature.

I found a Wet Web Media post that was not able to ID a similar looking sponge, but did state that sponges may potentially be toxic to humans or even noxious to tank mates.

I put it in the fuge to be cautious. I felt nothing when I touched it, so I thought maybe the person claiming it stung touched something else in the tank or had some stray current.

I’m a little skeptical of the negativity at WWM sometimes. How concerned should I be? Has anyone else had this stuff in their tank?

[jroescher]

I have lots of it in my tank. I can't say what it is though. It's white behind and under the rocks, and black wherever it sees light.

I got a piece of it from Fin Addict years ago, and it's been thriving in my tank ever since. I've never had any problems with it. Small pieces of it break off and start new colonies wherever it lands.

[tebstan]

Good to hear. :)

I'd like to move it into the display but didn't want it to do any damage to other inhabitants.