Join us for a fascinating conversation with Nik Kornder, MSc, as he enlightens us on the rather surprising self-cleaning mechanisms of the Caribbean tube sponge, Aplysina archeri. Contrary to common assumptions, these sponges actively move particle-trapping mucus against the direction of their internal water flow. This mucus-embedded waste is then expelled into the surrounding water through periodic surface contractions, colloquially known as "sneezing."

Kornder and his team used time-lapse video footage and meticulous analyses to uncover this intriguing phenomenon. Interestingly, this expulsion of waste results in a significant flux of detritus, which is actively consumed by sponge-associated fauna. Not only does this provide a fresh perspective on how these sponges prevent their filter system from clogging, but it also hints at the ecolog ...