Orange Fan Sponge

One of the easier decorative sponges available in the reefing hobby, the Orange Fan Sponge is a great way to add a unique splash of orange to a home aquarium.  As its name suggests, it grows in a fan shaped pattern from a single central stalk.  It does not spit or bud, but rather reproduces by spawning, which is rare in a home aquarium.  It grows moderately fast under the right conditions and is often the first decorative sponge many reefers keep.  It is very important that it never be exposed to air, even when adding it to the aquarium for the first time.

Orange Fan Sponges are native to the tropical Western Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean.  It is found on high water flow areas of reefs at depths of between 10 and 40 meters.  In a home aquarium they are often placed on a frag plug on the substrate, but they can also be placed on the rockwork as long as their lighting and flow needs are met.  As they are filter feeders, they should be added to a mature tank.

Decorative sponges, such as the Orange Fan Sponge, require moderate levels of light and high water flow.  Water movement is necessary to bring them food as well as to prevent algae buildup on them.  If the sponge begins to lose its colour it is quite possible that either the level of light or flow is not sufficient.

Orange Fan Sponges are photosynthetic but they also require supplemental feeding.  They are filter feeders, so spot feeding with a food specifically designed for filter feeders is one of the easiest methods.  They will also filter food particles out of the water column and may help to improve water parameters.

For a hobbyist looking to add their first decorative sponge, the Orange Fan Sponge makes a great choice!