Reef Discussion

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This Will Fundementally Change Everything Everyone Thought They Knew About Sponges
Sponges feed on coral mucus: Recycling waste on the reef

By Dr. Tim Wijgerde Posted Apr 11, 2016 09:00 AM


Marine biologists have found that sponges feed on coral mucus and convert part of it into detritus, making them efficient recyclers of biological waste on coral reefs. By transferring nutrients gained from coral mucus to other reef creatures in the form of shed tissue, sponges help feed the entire reef. This salvaging of animal waste by sponges—known as the sponge loop—helps explain why coral reefs can thrive in nutrient-poor tropical and cold waters. This insightful research was published recently in the open access journal Scientific Reports.

Full article HERE