This Sponge is completely non-photosynthetic and receives its energy by capturing fine phyto and zooplankton, coral snow and small edible particles which may be found in mature aquariums. Occasionally stirring the sand may release some food items which the sponge may capture- most food utilized is 0.1-1.5 micrometers (typically 0.5 μm or smaller). Most specimens are collected from the Caribbean. We recommend this animal only for expert aquarists who can provide the frequent feedings it demands.

Moderate to strong water flow is essential over all parts of the sponge. Lateral flow should be used, with the sponge’s oscula facing down-wind; improper placement will cause closure of the oscula. Never use wave or surge action, or point-source powerheads, which may damage the animal’s delicate structure. Water flow will deliver food to the sponge and remove wastes, and also help to clear nuisance algae, cyanobacteria and debris. Lower lighting or shade should be used to discourage algae overgrowth; as well, for some species bright light is actually damaging. Sponge should never be exposed to air, as it will become trapped within the animal and cause starvation and necrosis. It should be transferred while underwater. If damage from trapped gasses affects the animal the damaged area should be cut away. Poor water quality is also not tolerated by sponges. It should be inspected for predatory nudibranch which may feed on it.

Many sponges are bright colors, which serves as a warning to predators that they may contain toxins. The toxin may damage other sessile animals if touched, or be released into the water if the sponge is dead or dying. Demosponges such as this are comprised of silica spicules which may be extremely irritating if touched; wearing gloves or only handling the substrate they are attached to is recommended. Sponges make excellent tank-mates with other filter-feeding creatures such as sun, flowerpot, carnation and chili corals, gorgonians, tunicates, clams and oysters which would also benefit from added food.

Intense orange coloration and appealing flattened fan shape makes this animal unmistakable. It adds a dramatic splash of color to a mature reef aquarium. In nature it grows sideways extending from vertical cliffs, and this placement should be replicated in the home aquarium.

• Difficulty: Advanced
• Growth Speed: Slow
• Lighting: Medium - High
• Average Placement: Middle
• Water Flow: Medium - High
• Temperament: Peaceful

FREE SHIPPING OVER $119!*

- does not apply to livestock -

$11.99 FLAT RATE FOR LESS THAN $119.00 - CANADA WIDE!

*EXCEPTIONS:

• Any heavy or bulky items will incur a 100% charge of the actual shipping cost (valid for both Canada and the US). Heavy bulky items include (but are not limited to): salt, dry rock, sand, chillers, sumps, aquariums, stands, and some filter media.
• Frozen or perishable food can only be shipped via UPS Express. We have discounted the express shipping of these items to help the hobbyist out.
• Livestock is covered by a different shipping policy. To view the policy and further information regarding shipping livestock, click here.

GENERAL NOTES:

• We always make our best effort to ship your order via the carrier chosen during the check-out process; however, for some multi-piece shipments and/or remote destinations, we must reserve the right to use another carrier at our discretion (and without prior notice). If you require notice of any changes made to the carrier, please mention it in the special instructions during check-out.
• Upon request, we will ship your dry goods as per your specifications (courier, airlines, on your account, etc.).
• Quoted rates are the carriers live discounted shipping rates after adjusting for any/all shipping promotions.

Return Policy — Aquarium Equipment & Supplies

• All returns and/or exchanges must be made within 30 days of receipt of product.
• Before returning or exchanging any goods, you must contact J&L Aquatics to obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA). Items returned without prior authorization will be declined.
• Returned items must be unused, in original packaging, in as-new condition, and in perfect sellable condition. All returns are subject to inspection upon receipt.
• A 15% restocking fee applies to all online returns. This fee includes the cost of outbound shipping.
• Customer is responsible for return shipping costs on standard returns.
• Order cancellations made before shipping are not subject to a restocking fee.

Non-Returnable Items

• Special order items
• Clearance / final sale items
• Open box items

Regular sale items (non-clearance) are returnable within the 30-day return window, subject to our standard return conditions.

Defective, Warranty & DOA Items

• If you receive an item that is defective, not working, or dead on arrival (DOA), please contact us as soon as possible.
• Confirmed defective and warranty returns have no restocking fee and no Affirm fee. Customer does not pay return shipping — J&L Aquatics will provide a prepaid return label.
• All defective claims are subject to inspection. Items showing signs of customer damage, improper installation, or misuse are not covered under warranty.

Carrier Damage & Lost in Transit

• If your order arrives damaged by the carrier or is lost in transit, please contact us right away with:Photos of the damaged product (if applicable)Photos of the damaged box/packaging (if applicable)A description of the issue
• Important — Do not throw out any packaging! Please keep all original packaging, boxes, and packing materials. These are required to process your claim. Discarding packaging may affect our ability to resolve your claim.

High-Value Items ($100+)

• For items valued at $100 or more, customers must provide a return tracking number before a replacement will be shipped.

Affirm & Financing Orders

• Affirm or similar financing orders that are cancelled or returned in-store are subject to a 5% service charge. This covers the processing fee charged to us by the financing provider.
• The Affirm service charge does not apply to confirmed defective or warranty returns.