Giant Barrel Sponge

Xestospongia muta

Giant Barrel Sponge

The giant of Caribbean reef sponges, this barrel can grow wide enough for a diver to climb inside and lives for centuries. It ranges from shallow coral down to about seventy metres, filtering vast volumes of seawater for the tiny particles it feeds on.

Taxonomy: Animalia › Porifera › Demospongiae › Haplosclerida › Petrosiidae › Xestospongia

Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 166894.

FAQ

How deep does the Giant Barrel Sponge live?
The Giant Barrel Sponge (Xestospongia muta) is typically found at 0–69 m.
How big does the Giant Barrel Sponge get?
The Giant Barrel Sponge grows to about 2.5 m.