[3] It is commonly found in shallow reefs across the tropical Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.

However, it was recently discovered that Aplysina cauliformis hosts an abundant photosymbiont community that is responsible for roughly 70% of its carbon assimilation.

[7] This photosymbiont community continues to provide large amounts of carbon to the sponge even in shaded areas, suggesting that they are able to perform normal functions without needing sunlight.

A. cauliformis has this branching morphology, but it has also been found to have the ability to sexually reproduce, though the amount of biomass and energy directed to this effort is low.

[3] It has also been shown that A. cauliformis produces a chemical deterrent against hermit crabs (Paguristes puncticeps), which are typically abundant on coral reefs but have not been reported feeding on sponges.

[11] Physically, the disease causes the presence of a red band expanding from a circular lesion around the branch of the sponge, leaving the spongin skeleton exposed and killing the living tissue.