Xestospongia Testudinaria Collection

Portrait of Blacktip grouper (Epinephelus fasciatus) resting in Barrel sponge (Xestospongia testudinaria) Mabul Island, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia. Sulawesi Sea

Giant barrel sponge (Xestospongia testudinaria) releases a large cloud of gametes as it spawns on a coral reef, while a Threadfin hawkfish (Cirrhitichthys aprinus) looks

Female Tassled wobbegong shark (Eucrossorhinus dasypogon) rests alongside stand of Barrel sponges (Xestospongia testudinaria) Blue Magic, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

Barrel Sponge (Xestospongia testudinaria) on coral reef with soft corals (Scleronephthya sp), gorgonian and Lyretail anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis). Komodo National Park, Indonesia

UW INDO 1995 30
Barrel Sponge - with sun in background, Pohon Miring dive site, Banda Besar Island, Banda Islands, Indonesia, Banda Sea Barrel Sponge - with sun in background, Pohon Miring dive site

Reef with Pygmy Sweepers (Parapriacanthus ransonetti), Barrel Sponge (Xestospongia testudinaria), and soft corals. Komodo National Park, Indonesia, October

A barrel sponge attached to a reef wall, Papua New Guinea
A barrel sponge (Xestosongia testudinaria) attached to a reef wall on South Emma reef, Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea

Colorful sea wall with regal angelfish and barrel sponges
Colorful sea wall with regal angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus) and grey and pink barrel sponges, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Barrel sponge and diver, Papua New Guinea
Barrel sponge (Xestospongia sp.) and diver, Restorf Island, Kimbe bay, Papua New Guinea

A diver looks on at a giant barrel sponge, Papua New Guinea
A diver looks on at a giant barrel sponge (Xestospongia testudinaria), Fathers reef, Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea

Divers hovering above a large pink barrel sponge, Indonesia

A barrel sponge with a yellow crinoid attached, Papua New Guinea
A barrel sponge (Xestosongia testudinaria) attached to a reef wall on South Emma reef (Kimbe Bay) with a yellow crinoid attached, Papua New Guinea

Underwater photographer at the entrance of a cave, North Sulawesi
Underwater photographer at the entrance of a cave framed by pink barrel sponges, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Striped Triplefin (Helcogramma striatum) adult, in Barrel Sponge (Xestospongia testudinaria), Wetar Island, Barat Daya Islands, Lesser Sunda Islands, Maluku Province, Indonesia

Lamberts worm sea cucumbers (Synaptula lamperti, white) on a giant barrel sponge (Xestospongia testudinaria). This small white sea cucumber lives in groups

Oblique-banded sweetlips (Plectorhinchus lineatus) and a giant barrel sponge (Xestospongia testudinaria). This fish can reach up to 50 centimetres in length

Giant barrel sponge (Xestopongia testudinaria, centre) on a coral reef. Photographed off Misool, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

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The majestic Xestospongia testudinaria, also known as the giant barrel sponge, is a fascinating creature that thrives in coral reefs around the world. Its impressive size and unique appearance make it a captivating subject for underwater photographers. In one stunning portrait, a Blacktip grouper finds solace resting within the folds of this magnificent sponge. The contrast between the fish's sleek body and the sponge's textured surface creates a mesmerizing composition. During spawning season, the giant barrel sponge releases an enchanting cloud of gametes into the water. This breathtaking display showcases nature's incredible ability to reproduce and perpetuate life. A female Tassled wobbegong shark chooses to rest alongside a stand of barrel sponges, highlighting their importance as shelter for various marine species. These sponges provide not only protection but also serve as food sources for many organisms living on coral reefs. In another image, colorful soft corals surround a vibrant Barrel Sponge on a thriving coral reef ecosystem. This symbiotic relationship exemplifies nature's delicate balance and interconnectedness. Divers are often captivated by these massive sponges while exploring underwater worlds like Papua New Guinea. With awe-struck gazes, they observe these giants attached to reef walls or standalone structures amidst vibrant sea life. Regal angelfish gracefully swim past Barrel Sponges adorning a vivid sea wall—a testament to both their beauty and ecological significance in sustaining diverse marine communities. Whether serving as homes or feeding grounds for countless creatures or simply adding splendor to our oceans' landscapes, Xestospongia testudinaria continues to inspire wonder among divers and photographers alike.