Did you know that Hawaiʻi has more than 80 species of coral reef huʻakai or ʻūpī (sponges)? Many of them are cryptic, or hidden within the reef, and do a great job of blending into the background. Several species are found only deep within caves or overhangs, and others slowly excavate into the reef as they grow, revealing only their upper extremities.
Striped sponge (Clathria sp.), Puakō, Hawaiʻi Island. PC: Lindsey Kramer
Some types of sponges are an important food source for endangered honuʻea (hawksbill) sea turtles, and in general, sponges are a key resident on a healthy coral reef ecosystem (although some varieties will overgrow coral). More complex sponges are a home for many other species of tiny invertebrates, including shrimp and brittle stars.
Blue dysidea sponge (Dysidea herbacea), Waialea, Hawaiʻi Island. PC: Lindsey Kramer
Sponges constantly filter the water to consume plankton and other organic particles, and during this process, they can actually help filter out pollutants in the water, similar to other filter feeders. This means that certain types of sponges can actually help improve water quality, similar to oysters and other invertebrates that constantly strain the surrounding water.
Unidentified sponge with Vermillion clathria sponge (Clathria sp.), Puakō, Hawaiʻi Island. PC: Lindsey Kramer
Be sure to appreciate these delicate, encrusting wonders on your next dive!
Blue dysidea sponge (Dysidea herbacea), Puakō, Hawaiʻi Island. PC: Lindsey Kramer
Hawaiian lissodendoryx sponge (Lissodendoryx hawaiiana), Puakō, Hawaiʻi Island. PC: Lindsey Kramer
Vagabond boring sponge (Spheciospongia vagabunda), Wawaloli, Hawaiʻi Island. PC: Lindsey Kramer
ʻAna, Wavy cave sponge (Leiodermatium sp.), Puakō, Hawaiʻi Island. PC: Lindsey Kramer
