BLUE sponge reefsafe? Halichondria madaepora

[sjfishguy]

http://www.thepetstop.com/adminpics/22334.jpg

I have heard this sponge, Halichondria madaepora, can be toxic if it dies in the aquarium. Not toxic from it dying, but actually houses very toxic compounds in its tissues. Is this true? Is it no more toxic than other sponges?

I have also read this species is one of the few photosythetic species and thus does well in our tanks. Is this true?

I would like to hear from people who know these answers and also people who have this species of sponge and could give me their experience.

 

[graveyardworm]

Not sure about the specific toxicity of that particular sponge, but many sponges contain toxins, as well as most of the inverts ( corals ) we keep.

 

[graveyardworm]

Hmm, looking through Ron Shimeks Marine Invertebrates a similar sponge is listed but the latin name is different although it looks like a carbon copy of the sponge you have pictured.

Here's what it says -

Lighting: moderate to bright

Toxic may overgrow or poison other animals. Not good aquarium animals.

 

[sjfishguy]

Is the genus Haliconia?

 

[graveyardworm]

Haliclona spp.

 

[dendro982]

I can't be sure, but it seems, that the death of this sponge started the chain of deaths in one of my tanks. The dead region becomes white, no fragging and hospitalizing helped.

 

[graveyardworm]

Even though it is described as being photosynthetic it is also a heavy feeder and will not thrive without alot of fine particulate foods. Like most sponges it should also not be exposed to air.