Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
By Bob Goemans
Likely Reef Tank Suitable
Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable
Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean
Natural Environment: Inhabits coastal rocky areas and usually found encrusting various substrates on rocky shelf areas where water currents are fairly swift, and is found with its flat side facing into the current.
General Husbandry: Occasionally seen in the trade.
This is a non-photosynthetic filter-feeding animal and requires shaded areas receiving excellent water movement. Requires at least one daily feeding of live and/or preserved commercial phytoplankton and zooplankton products, or that of animal and plant powders that produce suspended products in the bulk water. Even though it prefers somewhat nutrient rich surroundings, it will not tolerate alga growth.
Generally, almost all sponges are difficult to maintain long term in captivity without special attention to their individual needs. And this beautiful species is no different and should be kept in systems designed to meet its needs, not simply as a colorful addition to a new reef tank or even that of a thriving reef system if its nutritional needs cannot be met. Occasionally stirring of the substrate/sediment/sandbed will also help small particulate matter (detritus) to enter the aquarium's bulk water, somewhat helping to provide some nourishment.
Occasionally stirring of the substrate/sediment/sandbed will also help small particulate matter (detritus) to enter the aquarium's bulk water, somewhat helping to provide some nourishment.
Unfortunately heavy feeding sometimes results in unwanted algae growths, therefore, increase filtration measures should be taken shortly after feedings if wanting to maintain most sponges in a healthy condition.
Note: And finally, after noting several different identifications and places of origin for this species, asked two noted marine biologists and divers; Vincent B. Hargreaves and Julian Sprung for their thoughts as to its correct scientific name and origin.
Dr. Hargreaves notes that he has personally seen this exact looking species in numerous dives around the Philippines, and its also available from the Maldives, and has identified it as noted above. He also mentions this species is easily confused with Clathria prolifera and Pseudaxinella durissima from Indonesia. He goes on to say that a similar looking sponge does not appear in the Tropical Atlantic.
Julian mentioned he used the "Guide to Sponges in New Caledonia," which contained a photograph of it. However, he doubted the Clathria identification because he is familiar with other Clathria spp. Yet was unable to give me a definitive answer, other than to say that he doesn't believe this sponge is Clathria, nor does he think it is Stylissa. His guess is that it's probably a species of Axinella, but it may belong to the genus Reniochalina.
I appreciate both for responding and even though more research is apparently needed, in the interim I'll choose Dr. Hargreaves identification since he has a more extensive background in the field.
And as of 2017, World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) has it listed as Stylissa flabelliformis, (Hentschel, 1912).
Specimens can attain 12 inches (30 cm), and are sometimes found with a second lobe overlaying the first lobe.
Taxonomy:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Porifera
Class: Demospongiae
Subclass: Heteroscleromorpha
Order: Scopalinida
Family: Scopalinidae
Genus: Stylissa
FYI: When purchasing new specimens, they should be bagged under water, i.e., never lifted out of the water. Nor should any air or oxygen be added to the bag, as it may become trapped in the animal's tissue while being transported and lead to its early demise.
They are not too sensitive to temperature changes, yet sudden changes in salinity may have drastic effects.
New specimens should not contain any gray or white tissue, which is generally a sign of dying or dead tissue. However, it is possible to cut that section out, of course under water.
Experience Level: Intermediate
Diet: Filter feeder
Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium
Coral Safe: Yes
Fish Safe: Yes
Invertebrate Safe: Yes
Acclimation Time: Sensitive to specific gravity/salinity changes, therefore be sure to adjust the bag's water to that of the aquarium in which it will be placed by slowly adding small amounts of aquarium water to the bag every few minutes. In most cases, this process should take at least 15 minutes.
Aquarium Hardiness: Challenging
Temperature Range: 72 - 83°F (22 - 28°C)
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Water Movement: WM 2 - 3
Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025
pH: 8.0 - 8.4
