They live on rocks, reefs, piers, pilings and other hard surfaces in the middle and lower Chesapeake Bay, and they’re our neighbors in Norfolk at Cobbs Marina.

The boys noticed these bright red beard sponges first and were surprised to learn that they’re animals not plants. They look exotic. But they’re the most common sponges found in the Chesapeake Bay. We haven’t ever seen them.

Using the magnifying glass, the boys took a closer look looked between the branches to find a full house inside — shrimp, worms and little crabs. The red beard sponge seems to be the perfect habitat for small Bay creatures.