Category: Sponges view all from this category

Description More than 12" (30 cm) wide, 12" (30 cm) high. Massive, amorphous, usually lobed. Bright red or red-orange. Smooth, with few large pores.

Warning Highly toxic. This sponge causes severe blistering and pain if touched with bare hands. Since this and the Do-not-touch-me Sponge, another stinger, are both red, it is wise to avoid touching any red sponge in subtropical waters.

Habitat In bays and lagoons, attached to rocks; from below low-tide line to water 50' (15 m) deep.

Range Florida to Mexico; Bahamas; West Indies.

Discussion The Fire Sponge body is soft and easily torn, and its toxins may discourage damage or predation.