Barrel Sponge
Xestospongia muta
Sighting evidence at New Guinea Reef, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Barrel sponges at New Guinea Reef attain exceptional size — some specimens exceed 1.5 metres in diameter and likely represent centuries of growth, earning them the nickname 'redwood trees of the reef'. These filter feeders pump thousands of litres of water daily through their bodies, playing a critical role in nutrient cycling on the wall. Their cavities shelter hawkfish, gobies, and brittle stars that use the sponge structure for both protection and access to the filtered water flow.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
Barrel Sponge is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.