How did the creators of SpongeBob come up with idea a sponge?

Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of SpongeBob SquarePants, came up with the idea for the show while working as a marine biologist. He was fascinated by the creatures that lived in the ocean, and he wanted to create a show that would teach children about them. He originally pitched the show to Nickelodeon as "The Intertidal Zone," but the network executives thought this name was too scientific. They suggested the name "SpongeBob SquarePants," and Hillenburg agreed.