Sponge is not kosher according to Jewish dietary law. Has no fins or scales, so sponge is not kosher (Leviticus 11:9-12).

What is the scientific name of Sponge?

The scientific name of Sponge is Porifera.

Does Sponge have fins and scales?

Sponge does not meet the requirement of having both fins and removable scales. Leviticus 11:9-12 requires fish to have both fins and scales to be considered kosher.

Can I eat Sponge sushi or sashimi?

No. Since Sponge is not kosher, it should not be consumed in any preparation, including sushi or sashimi.

Where can I find more information about whether Sponge is kosher?

KosherFish.co references the Orthodox Union (OU) and Chabad lists of kosher and non-kosher fish. For specific halachic questions, consult your local Orthodox rabbi.

Sponge

Porifera

Not Kosher

No fins or scales

Fins No

Scales No

Description

Sponges are simple, sessile filter feeders that attach to underwater surfaces and stay put. They're mostly marine, ranging from tidal zones to depths over 8,800 m, though freshwater sponges live on every continent except Antarctica. They lack true tissues and organs, relying on a constant flow of water through the body for food and oxygen.

Sponge in foreign languages

Scientific	Porifera
Hebrew	ספוגיים
Arabic	إسفنجيات
Spanish	porifero
Portuguese	Porífera
French	éponge
Italian	porifero
German	Schwämme
Greek	Σπόγγος
Russian	Губки
Turkish	Süngerler
Chinese	海绵
Japanese	海綿動物
Korean	해면동물
Hindi	स्पंज
Bengali	স্পঞ্জ
Vietnamese	Ngành Thân lỗ
Thai	ฟองน้ำ
Indonesian	bunga karang

Warnings & Kosher Issues

A sponge is a simple animal with no fins or scales, so it is not kosher. Natural sponges are harvested for cleaning and bathing, not as food.