Barrel sponge

Description:

The Giant Barrel Sponge is a large sponge that lives on coral reefs around the Caribbean Sea and adjacent waters. Reaching sizes of at least 6 feet (1.8 m) across, this is one of the largest sponge species wherever it lives. Its bowl-shaped body (open at the top, closed at the base) provides habitat for many other species of invertebrates (including crabs and shrimps) and fishes (including gobies, cardinalfishes, and other species). Giant Barrel Sponges, like all sponges, are attached to the reef surface and are unable to move. Like most sponges, this species has a glass-like skeleton.

Habitat:

Near Ginger Island, BVI.