Red Volcano Sponge

Acarnus erithacus

The Red Volcano Sponge, belonging to the family Acarnidae, is a sponge species commonly found in the Eastern Pacific region, specifically in the waters of Alaska, USA, and Canada. This sponge can be identified by its red coloration and typically reaches a maximum length of 4.0 cm. Divers can encounter this species in a range of habitats, from the low intertidal zones to depths of up to 700 meters, although it is most often found in shallower waters, with 98% of recorded sightings occurring at depths less than 40 meters. As a sessile organism, the Red Volcano Sponge attaches itself to substrates and remains stationary. Its life cycle includes a free-swimming parenchymella larva stage, which eventually settles on a suitable substrate to grow into a mature sponge. Members of its class, Demospongiae, are hermaphroditic, meaning they possess both male and female reproductive organs, allowing them to reproduce efficiently in their environment. Divers encountering this sponge can expect to find it in temperate reef environments, where it contributes to the biodiversity of the ecosystem.