Virus predation by sponges is a new nutrient-flow pathway in coral reef food webs

Abstract

The removal efficiency of viral particles by the coral reef sponge Negombata magnifica was measured. Virus particles were removed by the sponge at an average efficiency of 23.3% ± 2.9%. Significant amounts of nutrients are transported from virus particles to higher trophic levels via sponges. © 2006, by the American Society of Limnology and Oceanography, Inc.