Orange Ball Sponge

Orange Ball Sponge – Tethya aurantium

The Orange Ball Sponge is a vivid, bright orange to yellow-orange spherical sponge with a firm, slightly elastic texture and a bumpy surface. Typically reaching 2–6 inches in diameter, it attaches firmly to rockwork and reef structures while filtering large volumes of seawater for nourishment. This peaceful, non-venomous filter feeder is well suited to mature reef tanks where stable water quality and consistent flow are maintained. Its presence is often considered an indicator of a healthy, well-balanced marine system.

This species thrives in moderate to strong water flow and should be housed in tanks of at least 10 gallons with clean, mature biological filtration. Add Orange Ball Sponges only after the aquarium is well established, as they require stable parameters and dissolved nutrients to support constant filter-feeding. Never expose this sponge to air, as trapped air prevents water from circulating through its body and can lead to starvation.

As a filter feeder, the Orange Ball Sponge benefits from regular offerings of fine suspended foods such as PE Cyclopods, Hikari Rotifers, or high-quality liquid plankton supplements such as Reef Nutrition's Phytofeast. Occasional doses of dissolved organic particulate foods such as PolypLabs' ReefRoids can further support growth and color.

Approximate product size (in inches): 2" – 3"