No, I’m not talking about Sponge Bob or any of his pals! I’m talking about sponges, the real sponges growing on the ocean floor. They are always beautiful, of course, but I had the thrill recently of seeing them spawn!
At first I thought it looked like those ocean vents in the very, very deep ocean, the ones that are smoking with heat from the earth’s core…then I realized, it is sponge sex! Sponges have both eggs and sperm, and can reproduce either way. As to why a sponge decides to send out sperm to fertilize other sponge’s eggs…it is a mystery too deep for me to solve! Here are some gorgeous sponges and enjoy the dive video!
I have so many questions: Are they self reproductive? Is there another sponge involved? Is it that one sponge ‘sends out’ sperm (for instance) into the water in the hopes that it reaches another sponge that accepts it? Is the cloudy water full of the sperm/eggs? Is the cloudy water warm or are we just seeing a more dense viscosity?
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A sponge decides to be male or female (not sure why), and if male, it sends out a cloud of sperm/spawn and it will land on a sponge elsewhere who has decided to lay eggs. The cloudy water is not warm, just sending its reproductive material to another receptive sponge who will then fertilize their eggs. The zygote will stay in mom for a little while, then will be released into the water column and will be plankton for a while. The ones that land on the reef will grow into sponges! Pretty cool, eh?
Beautiful images. And very “steamy” sex scenes! If only I had the nerve to do more than merely snorkel, I’m sure I would be mezmerized by the magical world of our ocean’s floor.
It truly is mesmerizing. And you can see this kind of stuff snorkeling, too.
Tam, this post made me laugh out loud. I’m kind of wondering what Cheryl’s wondering but I really would rather not know. WAsn’t it wC Fields who objected to water because “fish fuc k in it”?
LOL, I think it was. But hey, everything fucks everywhere, right?
Well, I always learn something new from you! Who knew all of that was going on deep down below the surface?! Gorgeous photos, as always.
Hey, there is always sex going on down there. The filefish were mating too…they spiral together up the water column, spawning as they go. A romantic sight!
Too funny! An original take on sea life… one I won’t soon forget! 😀
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just a little sex! Good for us all, right?
Whew! I need a cigarette! Ha! Tam, I so enjoy your photos and the vicarious thrill of following along on your adventures. Thank you for another great trip.
Kimberly XO
HA! I need a cigarette too. I’ve been a non smoker for 13 1/2 years….but I still want one. Especially after sponge sex.
Another wow! I just love these vids. Sponges are magnificent! What an exciting adventure. The colors are amazing!
Such a cool event to witness!
I am absolutely mesmerized by these photos (and some of the comments, too! 🙂
Some of the comments are priceless!
Only you would come up with a post like this. Loved it. It’s so weird and vivid. I’m still smiling.
Pretty colorful, right?
Stumbled across your blog from Helene in Between… I am a Marine Educator, so I am in love with all of your adventures and photos!
Oh how wonderful! I am so passionate about everything to do with the ocean! I hope you sign up for the blog!