How big is the Bath sponge?

Bath sponge (Spongia officinalis) reaches 10–35 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Bath sponge?

Bath sponge is found between 1–40 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Bath sponge?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Bath sponge?

Found in: Mediterranean, East Atlantic, Macaronesia.

Bath sponge (Spongia officinalis)

Key facts

Scientific name: Spongia officinalis
Common name: Bath sponge
Category: Sponges
Family: Spongiidae
Genus: Spongia
Size: 10–35 cm
Depth: 1–40 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: rocky-reef
Behaviours: benthic, solitary
Ocean zones: Mediterranean, East Atlantic, Macaronesia

Description

Spongia officinalis reaches 35 cm. Mediterranean and East Atlantic sponge (Spongiidae) with globular or lobed body beige-brown to black-gray, finely perforated surface, without siliceous spicules (skeleton entirely in elastic spongin). Lives from 1 to 40 m on rocky reefs. Exploited since Antiquity as bath sponge (Aegean, Tunisia, Sicily, Dalmatia), traditional fishery in decline today. Classic Mediterranean dive photo subject, symbol of cultural and economic heritage.

Photo of Bath sponge

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Bath sponge?: Bath sponge (Spongia officinalis) reaches 10–35 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Bath sponge?: Bath sponge is found between 1–40 m deep.
Is the Bath sponge dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Bath sponge?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Bath sponge?: Found in: Mediterranean, East Atlantic, Macaronesia.

Similar species

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 132407)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 8234398)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia