Red Tree Sponge (Filter-Feeding NPS Reef Sponge) - Ptilocaulis sp.
A hearty tree sponge for reefkeepers ready to branch out.
What You Get
You’ll receive one Red Tree Sponge specimen, hand-collected from Florida’s hard-bottom and patch reef habitats. Most pieces measure approximately 3–5 inches tall, from base to tallest branch, and may feature single or multi-branch growth. Color ranges naturally from deep crimson to red-orange depending on lighting and age.
Why It’s Spongtacular
This branching, non-photosynthetic species adds dramatic vertical structure and texture to shaded reef zones where many corals won’t thrive. Its peaceful nature, bold coloration, and unique tree-like form make it a standout display sponge for hobbyists seeking biodiversity and movement without aggression or fast spread.
Care & Placement
Red Tree Sponges do best in mature, stable aquariums with abundant microfauna and consistent feeding. As filter feeders, they rely on a steady supply of dissolved micro foods, plankton, and fine suspended particulates—not light—for survival. Provide moderate to strong indirect flow so water passes through the branches without blasting tissue directly.
A brief transfer through the air during acclimation is not harmful, but avoid letting the sponge dry out or trapping air in the channels. A slow submersion with a slight tilt helps release bubbles. Secure into rockwork so it cannot fall, topple, or become buried in sand.
Sizing
Typical specimens arrive between 3–5 inches in height. Branching structure, fullness, and silhouette vary naturally—no two Red Tree Sponges look alike. Sponges in this size range have the best track record for shipping and long-term aquarium adaptation.
Traits
Difficulty Intermediate–Advanced
Placement Shaded rockwork & lower areas
Lighting Low–moderate, indirect
Flow Moderate–strong, 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.
