Thiele's Fire Sponge

Tedania mucosa

Thiele's Fire Sponge

A red encrusting sponge of rocky walls between about ten and thirty metres, Thiele's fire sponge can raise a rash on bare skin that touches it. It often grows near the solitary cup coral Desmophyllum dianthus and patches of bryozoans, filtering plankton through its porous body.

Taxonomy: Animalia › Porifera › Demospongiae › Poecilosclerida › Tedaniidae

Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 867856.

FAQ

How deep does the Thiele's Fire Sponge live?
The Thiele's Fire Sponge (Tedania mucosa) is typically found at 10–31 m.
Is the Thiele's Fire Sponge dangerous to divers?
The Thiele's Fire Sponge is harmless to divers.