Red Ball Sponge

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Difficult   • Temperament: Peaceful   • Maximum Size: Varies
• Diet: Omnivore   • Aquarium Level: Substrate & Rocks   • Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
 • Reef Compatible: Yes   • Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
• Supplements: None   • Coloration: Red, Orange, Yellow
• Origin: Indo-Pacific • Family: Axinellidae   • Species: Sponges

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The Red Ball Sponge, or as it is often referred to as Red Boring Sponge, and members of this genus are found in a wide variety of colors such as red, yellow, and orange. The Red Ball Sponge requires a strong current and excellent water conditions; therefore, they should only be kept by reef experts with a mature reef system.

All sponges, including the Red Ball Sponge will require some very special care to survive in the home aquarium. The most critical concern is that it never be exposed to the air. If it is, air becomes trapped in the matrix of channels that line the inside of its body, which effectively blocks the path for planktonic food to reach its cells and it will basically starve.

The Red Ball Sponge will require supplemental feeding with liquid plankton and other dissolved organic foods. Strong currents and an established reef aquarium will also be necessary to keep the Red Ball Sponge healthy within the aquarium environment.

Sponges should never be exposed to air as this will cause air to become trapped in the matrix of channels that line the inside of its body, which effectively blocks the path for planktonic food to reach its cells and it will basically starve.

Red Ball Sponge does best with low lighting and medium varied water flow, as it is a filter feeder and takes much of its food from the water column.