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 ecological significance of these "sneezes" on the nutrient cycling of Caribbean coral reefs.

Join us as we delve into this intriguing marine mystery and discuss the potential parallels of these sneezing mechanisms with other animals, including humans.

Keywords: Nik Kornder, Sponge Sneezing, Aplysina archeri, Self-cleaning mechanism, Mucus transport, Marine ecology, Caribbean coral reefs.

Sponges sneeze mucus to shed particulate waste from their seawater inlet pores https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2022.07.017 Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, University of Amsterdam