Sea-Orange

Suberites domuncula

Sea-Orange

An orange ball of a sponge that grows on shells carried by hermit crabs, it forms a living partnership where both animals benefit. As the sponge spreads it can dissolve away the original shell, leaving the crab housed in sponge alone and saved from ever needing to move to a bigger home.

Taxonomy: Animalia › Porifera › Demospongiae › Suberitida › Suberitidae › Suberites

Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 134282.

FAQ

How deep does the Sea-Orange live?
The Sea-Orange (Suberites domuncula) is typically found at 0–1100 m.
How big does the Sea-Orange get?
The Sea-Orange grows to about 10 cm.