Sponge ID

[tebstan]

What is this?
















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?