Introducing Oceans

Giant barrel sponges are hijacking Florida’s coral reefs

Change could spell bad news for animals that live there

Diver with giant barrel sponge

TAKEOVER  Between 2000 and 2012, the numbers of giant barrel sponges (one from the Bahamas shown) in the Florida Keys swelled.  

J.R. Pawlik/UNCW

By Sarah Schwartz

- More than 2 years ago

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Huge sponges are taking over coral reefs in Florida.

Between 2000 and 2012, the giant barrel sponge, Xestospongia muta — which can grow to over a meter tall and wide — covered increasing territory on two reefs off Florida’s Key Largo.