Elephant Ear Sponge (Filter-Feeding NPS Reef Sponge) – Agelas clathrodes
A mini elephant ear your reef never forgets.
What You Get
A single Elephant Ear Sponge collected from deeper hard-bottom habitats in Florida. Most specimens measure around 2–3 inches across and feature smooth, ruffled, ear-like folds. We intentionally harvest smaller, compact individuals, as they consistently adapt best to aquarium life.
Why It’s Spongtacular
Few sponges offer such elegant natural sculpture. Each piece forms organic, layered lobes that resemble folded petals or ears. No two are alike! Their rich orange coloration stands out beautifully against rockwork, seagrasses, macroalgae, and corals, adding artful contrast without overwhelming the aquascape.
Despite originating from deeper waters, this species is surprisingly hardy when provided stable conditions and regular suspended foods, making it an excellent choice for hobbyists seeking a unique, long-lived display sponge.
Care & Placement
As a non-photosynthetic filter feeder, the Elephant Ear Sponge thrives in mature, nutrient-stable aquariums rich in microfauna. Regular additions of fine particulate foods such as phytoplankton, zooplankton, marine snow, and other dissolved micro foods to support long-term health.
Provide gentle to moderate indirect flow to help move water through its folds without damaging tissue. Low-to-moderate lighting and placement on rockwork or in crevices work well. During transfer, brief air exposure is typically tolerated, but avoid letting the sponge dry out and gently submerge to release any trapped bubbles.
Sizing
Most specimens arrive between 2.5–4 inches in overall width, though height, curvature, and lobe formation vary naturally. If you prefer a taller, wider, or more folded shape, feel free to leave a note at checkout—we'll do our best to accommodate.
Traits
Difficulty Intermediate
Placement Rockwork / shaded zones
Lighting Low–Moderate
Flow Gentle–Moderate, indirect
A Note from the Collectors
Every sponge we offer is hand-collected, acclimated, and observed by our team before shipping. While we carefully remove debris, algae, and tiny hitchhikers, a few reef passengers may still tag along. It’s a natural part of receiving genuine wild-collected specimens from Florida’s reefs.
Shipping
We ship sponges Monday and Tuesday only via 2-Day service to minimize transit time and stress.
