Purple Sponge (Haliclona permollis)
Purple Sponge (Haliclona permollis)
Common name: purple sponge
Scientific name: Haliclona permollis
Locations: lowest intertidal areas on full moon tides and sub-tidally
Seasonality: year round on full moon tides
Colors: purple to tan in color
Size: clumps are 2” - 3" across, usually on shells or small stones
Collected: by hand
Quantity: sold by the clump
This sponge is fastened to rocky substrate beside a common periwinkle.
Tidepool Tim says, “If you look at the pictures above, you will see the prettiest little delicate sponge you will ever see. This sponge is kind of ephemeral and I can never guarantee that I can find it to collect. Typical finds occur around the biggest tides around the full moon each month. It appears like a bunch of tubes all sprouting out of a small shell or rock. The oscula are large given the size of the animal and the colony. This sponge does very well in a coldwater aquarium and will live for a long time.”
