Barrel sponges are among the most impressive sights awaiting divers at Thailand’s Similan Islands. These huge, barrel-shaped sponges thrive on rocky slopes between ten and thirty meters deep and are especially common at famous sites like West of Eden and Elephant Head Rock. Slow-growing and long-lived, they can grow taller than a person and glow brilliant shades of red, brown, or orange in the clear blue water.
Each barrel sponge spends its life filtering thousands of litres of seawater each day, helping keep the reef clean while providing shelter for shrimp, crabs, and juvenile fish. Peer inside and you might spot tiny reef creatures using the sponge’s hollow chamber as a safe hideout. Photographers love capturing their striking silhouette on sunny morning dives.
However, barrel sponges are fragile. Careless fin kicks, anchor damage, and rising sea temperatures can harm them easily. Hover gently, take pictures without touching, and let these reef guardians continue their important underwater work.
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