[1] This marine sponge is known for its light blue color and can be found in the Caribbean as well as off the coasts of Florida and Georgia.

[3] The use of spicule collection as well as chemical defenses allows D. etheria to protect itself against predators such as the zebra doris and the orange knobby star.

[7][8][9] The specific epithet "etheria" was given to this species of sponge by Laubenfels upon its discovery in the Dry Tortugas in 1936 due to its sky-blue color.

[1] The sponge's oscula, ranging from five to ten millimeters in width, are typically found on the tops of its lobes.

[1] As for natural substrates, D. etheria has been seen on rocks, turtle grass blades, mangrove roots, mollusk and crab shells, coral skeletons, algae, and even other sponges.

[3] Sponges are hermaphroditic when sexual reproduction occurs, utilizing different timing of sperm and egg production.

[5] Chemical extracts from D. etheria have been shown to be deterrents to generalist reef fishes, hermit crabs, and sea stars.

[8] D. etheria has also been utilized in research to understand how sponges transport foreign particles to specific locations within their bodies.