Their body is made of a reticulation of cells aggregate on a siliceous scaffold composed of small spikes called spicules.

Due to the amount of water that Great Barrel Sponges filter throughout their lifespan, they perform an important ecological role.

This species is found in the Philippines,[2] Australia,[1] western and central Indian Ocean, Indonesia, Malaya and New Caledonia.

[4] Currently this species is not considered endangered or threatened by any agencies, however there are a list of potential threats that may effect their survival.

Researchers are unsure what the cause of SOB is, but evidence supports the hypothesis that environmental changes, rising water temperature in particular, is responsible for the disease.