Giant Barrel Sponge in Cozumel
Giant Barrel Sponge (*Xestospongia muta*) in Cozumel: how to identify it, how old they get, and where the biggest ones are.
A huge rust-brown or grey barrel with a hard rough exterior and a deep open central cavity. The largest sponge on the reef by a wide margin.
Quick ID
| Scientific name | Xestospongia muta |
|---|---|
| Group | Sponges |
| Typical size | Up to 1.8 m tall and wide |
| Depth range | 10–40 m |
| When to see it | Year-round |
| Active | Filters continuously |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Notes | — |
Where You Will See It In Cozumel
The deeper walls and slopes — Santa Rosa, Colombia Deep and Punta Sur, where the biggest specimens sit.
Reliable sites: Santa Rosa Wall, Colombia Deep, Punta Sur.
Behaviour
Sometimes called the redwood of the reef: large specimens are estimated to be well over a century old, and some Caribbean individuals may be far older. Filters thousands of litres of water a day, and shelters brittle stars, gobies and cleaner shrimp.
Commonly Confused With
- Vase sponges — Vase sponges are smaller, thinner-walled and often brightly coloured.
- Tube sponges — Tube sponges form clusters of narrow tubes rather than a single barrel.
Diving Etiquette And Safety
Never sit in, stand on or put a camera inside a barrel sponge. The surface is a living filter and physical damage does not heal quickly.
Part of the Cozumel marine life guide · see Cozumel dive sites · plan your Cozumel dive trip