How big is the Brown tube sponge?

Brown tube sponge (Agelas conifera) reaches 20–100 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Brown tube sponge?

Brown tube sponge is found between 3–50 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Brown tube sponge?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Brown tube sponge?

Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Mediterranean.

Brown tube sponge (Agelas conifera)

Key facts

Scientific name: Agelas conifera
Common name: Brown tube sponge
Category: Sponges
Family: Agelasidae
Genus: Agelas
Size: 20–100 cm
Depth: 3–50 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: coral-reef, rocky-reef
Behaviours: benthic, solitary
Ocean zones: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Mediterranean

Description

Agelas conifera reaches 1 m. Caribbean sponge (Agelasidae) with thick tube body orange-brown to red-brown often clustered, slightly rough surface, large terminal oscula. Lives from 3 to 50 m on Caribbean coral and rocky reefs, Florida to Brazil. Filter feeder hosting crustaceans and small fish. Produces agelasine metabolites studied in pharmacological research. Classic Caribbean reef dive photo subject, less flashy than Aplysina but structural reef backbone.

Photo of Brown tube sponge

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Brown tube sponge?: Brown tube sponge (Agelas conifera) reaches 20–100 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Brown tube sponge?: Brown tube sponge is found between 3–50 m deep.
Is the Brown tube sponge dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Brown tube sponge?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Brown tube sponge?: Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Mediterranean.

Similar species

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 164824)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2249217)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia