Vimeo Science Video

Ocean 180 - Sponges of the Caribbean: What ecological factors most affect them? Sponges are animals that eat tiny food particles as they pump water through their bodies. They are very common on Caribbean coral reefs, and come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Previous research concluded that sponge growth is most limited by food particle availability. But sponges are also used as food by angelfishes that nibble on them, decreasing their growth. Which is more important, food or predation?