Sponges in the sea, often mistaken for plants or corals, are ancient marine animals that have quietly thrived in the oceans for over 600 million years. These fascinating creatures belong to the phylum Porifera, meaning “pore-bearing,” a reference to their porous bodies that filter water and extract nutrients. With their surprising diversity and unique biological traits, sea sponges play a critical role in ocean ecosystems—and remarkably, in human wellness and hygiene as well.

Types of Sea Sponges in the Ocean

There are more than 9,000 known species of sea sponges, and they come in various sizes, colors, and textures. These species are classified into three main groups:

Demospongiae – Making up about 90% of all sponge species, demosponges are the most diverse group. They have a soft, fibrous skeleton made of spongin and silica. Many natural bath and menstrual sponges come from this class.

Calcarea – These are small sponges with skeletons made of calcium carbonate. They usually inhabit shallow, tropical waters and are not used commercially due to their brittle nature.

Hexactinellida – Known as glass sponges, they live in deep ocean environments and have intricate, glass-like skeletons made of silica. These sponges are stunning but fragile and unsuitable for use outside the ocean.

Fascinating Facts and Secrets
They Don’t Have Organs: Sponges lack a brain, heart, or digestive system. Instead, they use specialized cells called choanocytes to move water through their bodies, filter food, and exchange gases.

Regenerative Powers: Sponges can regenerate from fragments. If a sponge is broken apart, its cells can reorganize to form a new sponge.

Longevity: Some species live for hundreds or even thousands of years, especially those in cold, deep-sea environments.

Natural Filters: A sponge can filter thousands of liters of seawater a day, helping to clean and maintain marine ecosystems.

Sea Sponges for Bathing

For centuries, humans have used natural sea sponges for bathing. These sponges are soft, absorbent, and biodegradable. Sourced mostly from warm waters like the Mediterranean and Caribbean, bath sponges are durable, gentle on the skin, and resistant to bacteria growth when properly cared for. Unlike synthetic sponges, they are free from plastics and chemicals, making them an eco-friendly choice.

Menstrual Sea Sponges

A unique, sustainable alternative to tampons and pads, menstrual sea sponges are natural sponges cleaned and shaped for internal use. They are prized for being soft, reusable, and free of synthetic materials. However, they must be thoroughly sterilized between uses. While many users appreciate their comfort and eco-friendliness, medical professionals advise using them with care due to potential health risks if not maintained properly.

A Gift from the Sea

From filtering the ocean to supporting personal care routines, sea sponges are one of nature’s most versatile and enduring organisms. Whether admired for their ecological importance or used in daily life, these simple animals remind us that some of the ocean’s most valuable treasures don’t sparkle—they sponge.