diff --git a/init.lua b/init.lua
index 3925284..9e53789 100644
--- a/init.lua
+++ b/init.lua
@@ -213,7 +213,7 @@ minetest.register_decoration({  -- sponges are found deep in the sea
     spawn_by = "default:water_source",
     num_spawn_by = 3,
     fill_ratio = 0.0003,
-    y_max = -12,
+    y_max = minetest.settings:get("sponge_generation_depth") or -9,
     flags = "force_placement",
     decoration = modname..":soggy_sponge",
 })
diff --git a/settingtypes.txt b/settingtypes.txt
index 1525970..84e6c81 100644
--- a/settingtypes.txt
+++ b/settingtypes.txt
@@ -18,3 +18,6 @@ sponge_shape_sphere (Sphere shape) bool true
 # Replace liquids with air instead of liquid blocking nodes.
 # This causes water to flow back immediately after placing the sponge
 sponge_replace_with_air (Replace with air) bool false
+
+# Depth at which sponges start generating
+sponge_generation_depth (Generation depth) int -9