fire sponge
(Tedania ignis)
Fire sponges are found in shallow tropical waters with a relatively slow and steady water flow. They usually live at depths between 0.5-2 m. Fire sponge's are found in two general habitats: mostly among red mangrove roots and in coral reefs. This fire sponge can grow to approximately 1 cm thick, with a synconoid body structure.
In general fire sponges are conspicuous with a bright orange color. Anyone can smell the mucus of a fire sponge account for their characteristic unpleasant odor. The fire sponge exudes large quantities of mucus, and produce toxic substances, which may cause inflammation and skin reactions in humans.