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Invertebrates |  |
Phylum: Porifera, Class: Microcionidae
Range: Coral Sea
Size: 12 in. Space:: 100+ gal. Diet: Microplankton
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Difficult Temperament: Peaceful
Natural History: The Aussie Red Spider Sponge is a symbiotic association between a sponge and a zoanthid coral. It has not yet been formally classified.
Husbandry: The Aussie Red Spider Sponge requires microplankton feedings in the aquarium to thrive. Bright light is beneficial, but excessive light will cause algae to grow over the sponge surface. Zoanthid polyps will extend from the surface of the sponge, radiating from the white areas. If the sponge is acclimated, the zoanthid polyps will regularly extend to feed. It has been reported that regular phytoplankton feedings may be required to maintain this symbiosis in an aquarium.