Finger sponge Haliclona oculata
Haliclona oculata marine sponge
Finger sponge underwater view
Haliclona oculata close-up texture
Finger-shaped marine sponge species
Finger sponge Haliclona oculata
Haliclona oculata marine sponge
Finger sponge underwater view
Haliclona oculata close-up texture
Finger-shaped marine sponge species

Finger Sponge (Haliclona oculata)

from $180.00
Quantity:

Live Finger Sponge (Haliclona oculata)
Please note this is a live marine specimen.

The Finger Sponge (Haliclona oculata), also known as the Eyed Finger Sponge, is a branching marine sponge found on subtidal rocky bottoms along the coast of Maine. With its soft, finger-like projections and light tan to brown coloration, this species adds natural structure and movement to aquariums and marine study tanks. It often attaches to shells, stones, or other hard substrates, filtering seawater for microscopic food and oxygen. Sustainably hand-collected from Gulf of Maine habitats, each specimen is shipped live and ready for research, classroom demonstration, or display in saltwater systems.

Key Facts:
Common name: Finger sponge, eyed finger sponge
Scientific name: Haliclona oculata
Locations: Subtidal rocky bottoms; occasionally washed up on beaches
Seasonality: Available year round
Colors: Tan, light brown
Size: 3” – 6”
Collected: By hand
Quantity: Sold by the cluster; typically attached to structure such as shells or rocks
Note: This is a live marine specimen. Natural variations in size, color, and appearance from photos should be expected. If you would like any specimen preserved, please send a request to: info@gulfofme.com.

Live Finger Sponge (Haliclona oculata)
Please note this is a live marine specimen.

The Finger Sponge (Haliclona oculata), also known as the Eyed Finger Sponge, is a branching marine sponge found on subtidal rocky bottoms along the coast of Maine. With its soft, finger-like projections and light tan to brown coloration, this species adds natural structure and movement to aquariums and marine study tanks. It often attaches to shells, stones, or other hard substrates, filtering seawater for microscopic food and oxygen. Sustainably hand-collected from Gulf of Maine habitats, each specimen is shipped live and ready for research, classroom demonstration, or display in saltwater systems.

Key Facts:
Common name: Finger sponge, eyed finger sponge
Scientific name: Haliclona oculata
Locations: Subtidal rocky bottoms; occasionally washed up on beaches
Seasonality: Available year round
Colors: Tan, light brown
Size: 3” – 6”
Collected: By hand
Quantity: Sold by the cluster; typically attached to structure such as shells or rocks
Note: This is a live marine specimen. Natural variations in size, color, and appearance from photos should be expected. If you would like any specimen preserved, please send a request to: info@gulfofme.com.

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The finger sponge filters seawater through its pores to filter feed.

The finger sponge filters seawater through its pores to filter feed.

Tidepool Tim says,  “Finger sponges are quite impressive - they look like a plant but are actually filter feeding animals.  We get most of our sponges from divers or fishing boats occasionally we will chance on some when collectng along the shores.  Finger sponges use tiny holes or oscula to sieve plankton from the cold waters here in our bay. Our sponge specimens are typically found attached to horse mussel shells or small stones.  The form of the animal is finger-like as the name suggests, but many we see are flat and palm-shaped. sponges look great in aquariums but we find it is hard to keep the alive for very long due to their food requirements.  Still they are a wondrous study specimens and one of great phylogenetic importance.”