Freshwater Sponges - Can You Keep Them In An Aquarium?

Freshwater Sponges In The Lakes And Rivers. Can You Keep Them In A Fish Tank? Underwater footage of Spongilla lacustris in a North American lake
with information about its life history and reproduction.
Camera used to film this video.
Fujifilm XP 140 Waterproof camera
amzn.to/3jA9iFZ
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[@crab1507]

Amazing video! Saw a picture of a freshwater sponge in someone's tank and it got me interested in knowing more! Love your videos!

[@TheDave333]

Awesome! Thank you! I really appreciate your support.

[@jefferymuffinsbobmarley6128]

The footage of the lake was so mesmerizing & your voice is so calm it felt like an ASMR video :D

[@TheDave333]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tamarrajames3590]

Dave, this was both fascinating, and eerily beautiful. It was like viewing an alien environment…until the lovely Largemouth Bass drifted past. You have taught me about a little piece of the lake ecosystem I was not aware of. Which leads me to wonder exactly what important niche it adapted to fill. You inevitably transport me with you, whenever you explore the lake, it is very peaceful and encompassing with your fabulous cinematography just drawing me in. Thank you for sharing these. I wish you a happy Winter Solstice, and a healthy and rewarding New Year.🖤🇨🇦

[@TheDave333]

Happy Winter Solstice and A Blessed New Year. Thank you for joining me on the journey once again. 🐟🐟🐟

[@tamarrajames3590]

@@TheDave333 I wouldn’t miss a journey with you. Thank you so much.🖤🇨🇦

[@TheDave333]

You're very welcome. 🖤

[@jamiegallier2106]

What a beautiful lake to explore. Appreciate all the helpful and detailed information. Sponges are fascinating creatures.

[@TheDave333]

Yes they are! I've spent a lot of time social distancing in the lake.

[@krazymuncher2288]

I think the folks at Ohio Fish Rescue have some encrusting freshwater sponges growing in some of their monster tanks although I don't think they weren't grown deliberately

[@TheDave333]

They rarely are

[@janechang7298]

Hello Dave I am intrested about growing fresh water sponges in aquarium.

[@Catnotic]

Amazing footage, how did you film it? Never knew there were freshwater sponges, they kinda look like harvest snaps pea crisps. I liked seeing the different animals that live in this ecosystem.

[@TheDave333]

I have gills and an underwater camera. 🐟🐟🐟 And yes they do look snaps pea crisps, and that's a hard group of words to say 3x fast.

[@dankilgorelyme]

Thank you for posting this video. I found a sponge growing in my aquarium two days ago. I took it out not knowing what it was but put it back in as my question was answered after looking on the internet. So good to know that I'm doing something right with my aquarium as I did not put it in there on purpose and it grew all by itself. I'm interested to know more information on this subject.

[@TheDave333]

It's so awesome that you found a freshwater sponge in your aquarium. It's pretty rare.

[@notyouraverageaquarist8886]

Amazing! What if you tried to grow them in a garden pond? Might have a lot of your work cut out for you. I've been getting into fish again, mostly due to your videos, so thanks man!

[@TheDave333]

You're welcome. Happy to inspire. They might grow in a garden pond for a while.

[@chisaquaticvibe6524]

Dave, you were right. Mother nature does run the show.

[@TheDave333]

And we keep messing with the program.

[@DNLKTV]

In my hometown lake Baikal in Syberia we have sponges too but they are way bigger, similar to corals in size and of beige to yellow colour. They are a vital part of freshwater balance of the lake, keeping water clean of waste and toxins.

[@thehairywoodsman5644]

I support Russia in its efforts to rid the world of NAZIs !

[@TheDave333]

Yes, I've seen videos about the sponges there. What an amazing lake. 💜💜💜

[@janechang7298]

Oh! Do you know who can sell the dry one?

[@janechang7298]

Do you know if you know who sells dried freshwater sponges?

[@markfranklin8831]

This was some awesome information thanks for sharing 💯

[@TheDave333]

My pleasure thanks for watching.

[@moonpleco5083]

Interesting fact - in past centuries many species of fresh water sponges were used , as Spongia fluvialitis, in medicine. In countries like Russia, Poland, Germany (maybe other too) sponges were medium for arthritis, joints, traumas or even anthrax.

[@TheDave333]

Interesting. You always share new information with me. Thank you. 😁

[@moonpleco5083]

Little mistake due linguistic incompatibility, sorry. Disease cured by Spongia was Scrophula, not anthrax. That was documented in XIX century German medical book. However it is possible that in much rare occasions they used Spongia for anthrax.

[@TheDave333]

It's a crazy world we live in. . . I believe there's a cure for every disease, because nature loves to keep things in balance. There's always a yin for every yang. . .

[@vikkirountoit497]

Well apparently I'm part of the "most people" crowd as I did not even know there was such a thing as freshwater sponges. And you are right - I wish I could put one in my fish tank!!! And I don't want to kill one, so I'll pass unless someone figures out how to create a sponge specific tank, which would be really cool:) Wishing you success with your gemmules and many more lovely underwater adventures.

[@TheDave333]

Mother nature is always full of surprises. . . I'm still waiting to come across freshwater jellyfish!

[@lemonlizard1]

to be fair some people have accidentally grown them successfully before!

[@bobmorgan476]

A small man-made lake in western North Carolina had a freshwater jellyfish bloom when I was a kid. Each individual was about the size of a dime, but there were so many that the effect of staring down into the water was almost like looking up into the night sky!

[@brookestevens9173]

@@bobmorgan476I did my dissertation on freshwater sponges in western nc! Most species there like to grow under a rock substrate. We only found one species, Radiospongilla crateriformis, that grew on top like you’re describing!

[@moonpleco5083]

Large Mouth Bass came to see what's going on, was it that special female, your friend from past video? Greetings for her 🐟❤️🐟

[@TheDave333]

Yes it was. She trusts me, and she really is special. 🐟❤️🐟

[@moonpleco5083]

We rarely think about sponges, unfortunately, they are so fascinating in their simplicity. They are primordial animal life forms from deep earth past. Our far, far ancestors! Keeping them in aquarium may be strongly determined by light operation too.. Plus unknown chemical balance, who knows, research is needed. Very interesting.

[@TheDave333]

They really are amazing. I hope to be able to grow them soon.

[@aquariumlifestyle]

Thanks for this videos I was looking for this Infos for ages! You got a new subscriber, did you think of using green water as a food source for sponges? I know It works for Fairy shrimps and brine shrimps

[@TheDave333]

Yes, I think green water would work. I'd also try food designed for saltwater filter feeders such as corals as well.

[@majorbruster5916]

During a research study whilst at Lake Malawi, I collected a freshwater sponge on the last day of my stay. I intended to hand-carry it onto the plane, do water changes during the flight, and then rush it (if you can call a 2 hour journey from Heathrow to Mile End a dash) back to the lab. On the journey from the lake shore to the airport at Blantyre, I opened the bag to change the water in the back of the van in which me and my coworkers were travelling. A smell erupted from the bag, so bad that my fellow passengers almost threw themselves out of the windows. It seems that the sponge, about the size of a golf ball, having survived the night in our air-conditioned dorm, could not handle the stifling 40° heat in the African sun, had expired after being loaded into the van and had quickly started to decompose - with a vengeance. I had to ditch it out of the window. It was some time before we could all breathe again without hanging out of the windows. My first and my last experience with freshwater sponges.

[@TheDave333]

Wow, what an interesting story. Thanks for sharing that experience. That must have been one potent sponge! Were you studying cichlids? 🐟🦐🦠

[@florenti1119]

So this is the freshwater version of corals 😂

[@TheDave333]

Pretty much yes, a bit more simplistic than corals, but the same basic idea.

[@chisaquaticvibe6524]

Amazing work!

[@TheDave333]

Thanks a lot!

[@WayneTheSeine]

Wow....who knew? Doing some quick research I see where some can be found in my area. I have fished a lot all of my life and never had a clue we had sponges. I am excited to hopefully see some. Thanks for sharing such a great video.

[@TheDave333]

You're very welcome, thanks for watching the video. There's a whole different world down there.

[@Idious]

Thank you so much for this channel. Ive long complained about the lack of freshwater fish documentaries, especially for the much underappreciated North American species. If more people knew about our incredible rivers and lakes, our beautiful fish, maybe we could prevent losing more species than we already have. Locally, we lost the Scioto Madtom in the last year. Regular people didn't even know they existed.

[@TheDave333]

I agree with you 100% and this is part of the reason why I do what I do. It's such a shame how much we stand to lose.

[@CarolynnMc01]

thank you for this incredible educational video! I had no idea about these sponges.

[@TheDave333]

You are so welcome!

[@grungorflungor]

I didn't even know there were freshwater sponges, so neat!

[@TheDave333]

I know right. . .

[@AnthonyZiblis]

Previously all the freshwater sponges I have seen grow in a flat formation on tank walls. I have never seen these tubular sponges so this was very interesting.

[@TheDave333]

The only ones I've seen in people's tanks online are the flat / encrusting ones as well. These tubular ones are much more interesting looking.

[@GenRN]

Thanks The Dave!!! Always a treat!

[@TheDave333]

You're very welcome. Thanks for always watching them. :-)

[@notamoose231]

Great, now you've planted the gemmule in my mind. I must see freshwater aquarium sponges!

[@TheDave333]

Nice! I love the use of the word gemmule. Hopefully, all of my videos plant some sort of seed in people's minds.

[@richardreynolds9896]

Another awesome video!

[@TheDave333]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🐟🐟🐟

[@PROShineKITO]

Thanks dave, for what is said in the video sponges and corals are so similar, whatis the difference? Exosqueleton?

[@Rainkit]

Corals are only found in salt water. While they look like a single organism, corals are actually a colony of thousands of tiny animals call polyps. Sponges are a single, extremely simple organism with no tissues or organs. They are also a lot older than corals. Tl;dr they look simular but they are actually very different

[@PROShineKITO]

@@Rainkit Thanks!!!

[@TheDave333]

AKArainkit did my job for me. And just to add an extra bit . . . freshwater sponges use silica to build their colonies, while corals use calcium carbonate. Corals also don't produce gemmules. :-)

[@incominghitdadirt9587]

I love your content bro👍.

[@TheDave333]

Thank you so much. I work hard. 🐟🐟🐟

[@susanstaples6171]

Nuts! Lucky!

[@chisaquaticvibe6524]

I'm glad I asked you if you forgot about swimming in the lake last year, and do you know why? Because you love it a lot and it's amazing! 😁

[@TheDave333]

I do love my time in the lake, and I appreciate you asking about it. 😁

[@EtienneBlais]

There used to be freshwater sponges in the sump of a plant system at a fish store. It grew and reproduced (cloned) for years. Unfortunatly that system is now gone and the sponge never survived when I tried to grow it elsewhere.

[@TheDave333]

It must have had a good food supply and clean water. It probably loved the flow.

[@fajrdn]

They're thriving in my outdoor koi pond. I think it also depends on how big your aquarium is.

[@TheDave333]

I suppose in a really large tank they might be able to get by, but I have my doubts. I need an outdoor koi pond. . .

[@CMZneu]

Wow i never thought about if freshwater sponges existed, neat! I have though thought about why aren't there more fully marine flowering plants besides seagrasses or why are there so few species of marine insects... just the other day i found out intertidal spiders are a thing which is just bonkers!

[@abrqzx]

It’s because freshwater & terrestrial plants can’t live with salts. Seagrasses and kelps adapted to saltwater environments that’s why they’re thriving

[@CMZneu]

@@abrqzx Well yeah obviously but it's more complicated than that because many plants that can tolerate high salinity(Halophytes) for example mangroves and cordgrass, and much more if we are talking about terrestrial habitats, but almost none can do it fully submerged like Seagrasses. I specified flowering plants because there are many species of algae like kelps which aren't plants, they are protists. But i guess marine gymnosperms would be amazing too.

[@TheDave333]

There's no sense producing a flower under water, or out in the ocean. Flowering plants evolved on the land, and there's no reason for them to go to the sea. Pollen needs to stay dry. :-)

[@CMZneu]

@@TheDave333 But seagrasses exist, and they grow flowers with pollen and can reproduce sexually and asexually, they probably don't have animal pollinators but then again a lot of flowering plants don't, like corn that is pollinated by wind. Besides your "Pollen needs to stay dry" theory if i may doesn't hold much water since there are an abundance of freshwater flowering plants that live totally submerged. Btw when i say flowering plants i'm referring to angiosperms not plants that grow the reproductive sex organ called a flower, which they do but a flowers doesn't necessarily need to look like a traditional flower like for example again corn, a lot are very inconspicuous and aren't colorful or produce any nectar since they don't have pollinators.

[@TheDave333]

Ragweed is like that . . . small inconspicuous flowers but lots and lots of pollen because it's wind pollinated. Sea grasses are one of the rare exceptions that have moved from the land to the sea. btw - intertidal spiders ! Cool!

[@chisaquaticvibe6524]

Someday, you should go to the Pacific Northwest. They have lots of fish up there, especially, salmon!

[@TheDave333]

I would love to drive along the Pacific Coast Highway. And I'd love to see salmon. . . The furthest west I've ever been is North Western Wyoming.

[@CanadianConservativeGuy]

Can we get a video that is a walk around of your entire set up Dave ?? (Pretty please 🥺)

[@TheDave333]

Maybe someday, but I really prefer to keep it all about the fish, and not so much about me and the fish room.

[@jm8080ful]

great video, very informative

[@TheDave333]

Thank you, I'm glad that you enjoyed it.

[@ugarit5404]

How soft (as texture) are the specimens shown in the video? Are they Like corals?

[@TheDave333]

They're easily crushed between your fingers. Kind of like those orange cheese puffs. Not hard like coral.

[@Cowrabbit]

Hi Dave, thank you for the thorough video. I coincidentally just picked up a piece of freshwater sponge from my local fish club in SoCal. The previous owner was indeed spontaneous gifted with the sponge in their killifish tank. Ours is white, I’m curious if they contain the symbiotic algae if I move it under more light.

[@TheDave333]

There are so many species. . . I wonder. What a great gift!

[@carmahdee]

Animals?! And carnivorous sponges?! I'm imagining a scary sponge monster absorbing my body now 😆. Also, totally adding "gemmules" to my vocabulary - such a funny sounding word

[@TheDave333]

Thanks for watching the video, you're a real gemmule. 😆

[@thefuture4266]

ah yes, the sponges.

[@TheDave333]

Saltwater sponges that's where it's at baby.

[@wheelbite9]

Seems like you would need Bacter AE and a powerhead to feed them. Maybe some snails to keep them clean.

[@TheDave333]

Not a bad idea! Thanks.

[@bennydufresne8994]

I found some in some creeks/rivers/flowages in northern and southern Minnesota I’ve seen white, bright green and super bright blue and I think orange but im not 100% on the orange

[@TheDave333]

Wow that's really cool. Lots of colors!

[@alexkarasoulos]

In the United States I see them a lot in the rivers of New Hampshire actually, all over the place. Also a couple species scattered in rural areas of Massachusetts.

[@TheDave333]

That's awesome. Most people don't even know they exist!

[@chisaquaticvibe6524]

Were the striped bass your favorite critters you saw in Maine?

[@TheDave333]

I think the Moose were my favorite. . . They're huge!!! But, snorkeling off the coast with the stripers was my most memorable part of the trip.

[@chisaquaticvibe6524]

Ocean counterparts for all the fish you did in the lake so far. Grouper - Largemouth bass Chain pickerel - Barracuda Brown bullhead catfish - Striped eel-tailed catfish Bluegill - Sergeant- Major damselfish

[@TheDave333]

I love barracuda I used to see them all the time when I lived in the Caribbean. I also remember Sargent majors biting at my feet! I spent a lot of time spear fishing when I was in my twenties. I've seen manta rays, moray eels, goliath groupers, ocean sunfish, and even sharks while spear fishing. I miss the ocean. . .

[@chisaquaticvibe6524]

I'd like to see the hidden world of the pumpkinseed.

[@TheDave333]

You will eventually.

[@nicksweeney5176]

I've never seen such.

[@TheDave333]

And that's why I'm here. . .

[@keithpereira3739]

Wow... Totally amazing...😁👏👏👏

[@TheDave333]

Thank you so much 😀

[@dominiqueperrin4257]

Wow 😮the incredible power of Mother Nature….. Happy Christmas 🎄

[@TheDave333]

Merry Christmas and may the new year bring you health and happiness.

[@PaulsFishroom]

Amazing 🤓👍

[@TheDave333]

Thanks 😁

[@ianpowder3187]

Do I see some affixed aquatic utricularia in some of these lake shots?

[@TheDave333]

possibly

[@observer_music]

i had no idea! thought sponges were exclusive to marine water

[@TheDave333]

And this is why you should like, subscribe and share!!! 🐟🐟🐟

[@xX_saeoris_Xx]

a banger as always

[@TheDave333]

thanks

[@tarnishedknight730]

My guess is that almost all aquariums, that fit in a house, would be too small. The water chemistry and nutrient balance would swing from one extreme to the other, constantly. It's really hard to mimic Mother Nature.

[@TheDave333]

I would say it's impossible to mimic Mother Nature. However, we're able to keep saltwater sponges in saltwater aquariums, so there must be hope for freshwater too. :-D

[@chisaquaticvibe6524]

4:34 Amanda off the port bow! I really hope you get a chance to see her this year.

[@TheDave333]

You have a good eye. I hope I see her too!

[@chisaquaticvibe6524]

@@TheDave333 Grouper: Get lost! Dave is my friend in grouper turf! Largemouth bass: Not anymore. He lives near freshwater now, and freshwater is bass turf.

[@TheDave333]

I'm too far from the ocean. . . 🦈🐟🦐🦠

[@chisaquaticvibe6524]

@@TheDave333 I know I know, but I just love sea creatures. And I'm too far from the ocean as well.

[@TheDave333]

My favorite creatures in the ocean are the ones that live near the deep sea thermal vents where it's always dark and cold. It's amazing how life can survive there using chemosynthesis rather than photosynthesis to drive the food chain. Extremophiles. . .

[@Philstec]

What camera do you use?

[@TheDave333]

Hi, thanks for watching the video. There's a link to the exact camera that I use in the video description.

[@chisaquaticvibe6524]

Eastern newts are lightning fast!!!

[@TheDave333]

Yes, they're great swimmers, and they carry one of the most potent toxins on the planet! The same one that's in puffer fish (tetrodotoxin). The Eastern Newt is most toxic in the Red Eft stage.

[@chisaquaticvibe6524]

Any chance on doing a video about the eastern newt?

[@TheDave333]

Funny you should ask. . . I was filming them this weekend, So, yes soon. 🐟🦐🦠

[@chisaquaticvibe6524]

@@TheDave333 Yay! 😁

[@chisaquaticvibe6524]

Hey Dave, why did you decide to move from the Caribbean?

[@TheDave333]

I was born and raised on a very tiny island. (Two and a half miles wide in the widest spot by 13 miles long.) So, it was a bit boring and I wanted to see more of the world. . .

[@chisaquaticvibe6524]

@@TheDave333 I see. . .

[@dirtyoldfarmhand3]

Awesome

[@TheDave333]

Thank You

[@NiX_aKi]

There was a time that a translucent sponge sprung in my outdoor tank. It didn't last long

[@TheDave333]

Isn't life amazing?

[@NiX_aKi]

@@TheDave333 it truly is!

[@AlphaQHard]

Do you dive in the same lake in all the videos?

[@TheDave333]

Yes . . . River videos coming soon!

[@AlphaQHard]

@@TheDave333​​⁠Interesting. Ive noticed some bluegill from your other video had the black spot parasite (its common in my lake as well) and the water quality in your lake seems great. Ive always wondered if parasites are linked to poor water quality, but I guess not.

[@TheDave333]

Poor water quality leads to stressed out fish which makes them weaker and less able to fight off parasites. So, yes poor water quality can lead to large parasite loads. Some bodies of water are just more parasite friendly. . .

[@periplanetamissionary]

Providing them the dormancy they need will be a nightmare, but achievable, you will need a chiller, and a light with a timer. Naturally this makes them suitable only for temperate fish species, Im guessing you will need to bring the temp down to 35 to 40 degrees F and reduce daylight length over the course of months, and then reverse the process for summer Good luck. Im assuming care should be similar to SW sponges in other regards.

[@TheDave333]

I live in New England, so I can let their dormancy happen naturally. I have a very cold room that would work. And my thought is to get the gemmules from dead sponges and use them like seeds to start a small colony. The gemmules can handle long periods of desiccation, so I can save them until I need them. Then all I have to do is periodically provide the initial conditions for the gemmule to start growing, and then it's just a matter of trying to keep the newborn sponge alive for as long as I can. The gemmules are in the sponges when they die, and there are thousands of sponges in the lake. It's just a crazy idea. . . Thanks for watching the video.

[@periplanetamissionary]

@@TheDave333 well get going. And thankfully we have prepare food for saltwater sponges as well so feeding them should be relatively simple. :)

[@TheDave333]

Yes it should . . . It's a project for next summer when I can get back in the lake. . .

[@nicksweeney5176]

Firrrrst...!!! EDIT: I ... I have seized Victory's Crown. It is mine, my own, my Precious.👑

[@tamarrajames3590]

Congratulations…Nick, savour the glory while you can.✨🖤🇨🇦

[@TheDave333]

Congratulations the crown is yours . . .

[@charlottegrant8399]

@TheDave333 Hi Dave! I'd like to license some of your content for a project and to discuss pricing, high quality versions and copyright attribution etc .Do you have a website with a contact email?

[@TheDave333]

@charlottegrant8399 Hello Charlotte! The best way to contact me is at: [e-mail] I look forward to hearing your proposal.

[@dontworry4945]

So if you keep them and they are kept to their best ability and they still die.... How long do they last? Do their silicon skeletons stay behind?? 💀

[@TheDave333]

I'd give them 6 months. I'll know more next summer when I set up a tank just for them.

[@chisaquaticvibe6524]

Have you heard of a river blackfish/gadopis marmoratus? They live in Australian rivers. And here's something that you won't believe. A government is introducing trout into their habitat to eat them AND their eggs!

[@TheDave333]

River blackfish are nocturnal, so their plan to have trout eat them is a bit silly. . . Introductions of nonnative species always leads to problems.

[@chisaquaticvibe6524]

@@TheDave333 Exactly!

[@ashenwalls3558]

I had no idea fresh water sponges existed!

[@TheDave333]

I'm happy that I could help introduce you to something new.

[@grooveykans]

Don't forget that freshwater jellyfish exsist too

[@ashenwalls3558]

@@grooveykans woa I had no idea, that's dope!

[@ragnarlothbrok4281]

Where is this?

[@TheDave333]

Milky Way Galaxy - Earth - North America - East Coast - New England - Massachusetts - Freshwater Lake

[@ragnarlothbrok4281]

@@TheDave333 that's really cool. Here in Alabama the water is almost never that clear unless it's spring-fed.

[@TheDave333]

I'd love to explore the waters down south and look for some beautiful darters in rivers / creeks. The Tennessee / Alabama area is a hotbed for freshwater darters. Probably some of the prettiest fish in our country ... .

[@thedarkmasterthedarkmaster]

I wonder why marine sponges are easier to keep than Freshwater ones

[@TheDave333]

That's a really great question! I've never thought about that. I don't know the answer. . . 🤔

[@thedarkmasterthedarkmaster]

@@TheDave333 I I had to guess Marine species have to deal with harsher water conditions so are more hardy.

[@TheDave333]

There are also more marine species to choose from, so that might help.

[@wildbill9863]

I have found freshwater sponges in pennsylvania Never had any success in aquarium

[@TheDave333]

Yeah they're a tough nut to crack!

[@janechang7298]

I am looking for dried fresh water sponges...

[@TheDave333]

I don't know that anyone offers those for sale. Are there freshwater sponges near your area?

[@janechang7298]

@@TheDave333 wow... Thank you so much for your reply. What can I do if I like to learn about how to grow freshwaterI sponges in acqurium or anyone who can harvest large quantities.

[@TheDave333]

Trying to grow them yourself would be a great start. . . Collecting them from the wild won't be easy, and it could endanger native populations.

[@janechang7298]

@@TheDave333 would you consult for how to do our self? Like to know possible consultants fee. Thank you

[@janechang7298]

If you have know how to grow, we are willing to meet you for the meeting n discuss regards to fees and preparation of material n etc. Thank you.

[@petecross9470]

I was today years old when I found out there are freshwater sponges! And what a surreal yet beautiful location. Awesome stuff as usual!

[@TheDave333]

Thanks 👍

[@chisaquaticvibe6524]

Australian bass ( Macquaria novemaculeata)

[@TheDave333]

Australian bass, that's a new one. . .

[@chisaquaticvibe6524]

@@TheDave333 It's actually a type of perch.

[@TheDave333]

I read that when I looked it up. Unfortunately, I don't see perch very often when I'm in the lake.

[@chisaquaticvibe6524]

@@TheDave333 Why are some species of fish in the lake rare?

[@TheDave333]

My guess is the water parameters in the lake favor some fish more than others. But it also could be that the perch are shy like the pickerel.

[@chisaquaticvibe6524]

Have you ever eaten Chicago-style pizza. I have. It was yummy!

[@TheDave333]

Yes I have. I see you ate pizza on your recent trip. :-)

[@uhmeee649]

The dave you are so grate

[@TheDave333]

You are too! 😀

[@chisaquaticvibe6524]

Huchen/Hucho hucho

[@TheDave333]

That's a big salmon. . . All of the dams wiped out the salmon where I live. . . :-(

[@chisaquaticvibe6524]

@@TheDave333 I know 😥

[@julienrockingham-ip4co]

People, please do not go around just collecting wild sponges. That is very bad for the environment and the eco-system. Please do not do it. I know it is very tempting but please don't do it

[@TheDave333]

I understand your concerns, and I love you passion for the environment. . . I've been a serious conservationist since I was 15 years old, and I am now a fisheries biologist. I would never do anything to damage or endanger the population. I collect them once from from one location, in one secluded lake where there are thousands upon thousands of them. I was also recently contacted by a cosmetics company in Asia that wanted me to collect them for industrial use. Naturally I refused.

[@janechang7298]

Dear Dave: Your email address has been returned back to me. Looking forward to hear from you soon. We need ur help please.....

[@TheDave333]

@janechang7298 Hello, and how can I help?

[@janechang7298]

@@TheDave333 We like purchase the dried freshwater sponge in large quantities. Thank you.

[@TheDave333]

I don't sell them, and I don't really know where you can buy them. Just to satisfy my curiosity. . . Why do you need them, and where are you located?

[@janechang7298]

@@TheDave333 for cosmetics research n I am from Los Angeles n South Korea

[@TheDave333]

Oh, I see. The silicates that make up the sponge's body could be useful as an exfoliant, but it may also be irritating to some people.

[@SunSheepOfLight]

I like SpongeBob.

[@TheDave333]

Sponge - full of holes, but still hold water. . .

[@SunSheepOfLight]

@@TheDave333 🧽

[@rnldmanuel88]

Dave post more videos man.

[@TheDave333]

Yeah, this kind of quality and detail takes time my friend. 🙂

[@scrotusmaximus3043]

I've had one randomly grow in my planted tank before

[@TheDave333]

Lucky you!

[@florenti1119]

So this is the freshwater version of corals 😂