Скачать или смотреть Why These Sponges Are Bright Blue

Blue tube sponges owe their striking color to symbiotic bacteria living in their tissues.

These microbes produce pigments that give the sponge its blue hue, and in some cases, they also help with photosynthesis, creating extra nutrients.

The color can vary depending on the type and density of bacteria, as well as the depth and light conditions.

Beyond color, the microbes may also protect the sponge from harmful UV radiation, making this partnership vital for survival in shallow, sunlit waters.

🧽 3 facts about their filtration:

1. A single sponge can filter thousands of liters of seawater every day.

2. Special cells called choanocytes use tiny flagella to pump water and trap microscopic food.

3. By filtering water, they help keep reef ecosystems clean and balanced.