The coral-killing sponge Chalinula nematifera as a common substrate generalist in Komodo National Park, Indonesia

A coral-killing sponge, Chalinula nematifera, has been identified as a common substrate generalist in Komodo National Park, Indonesia. This sponge, originally from the Marshall Islands, is raising concerns due to its rapid range expansion and ability to overgrow various coral species. Observed at six out of ten sites in October 2016, it was found interacting with living corals belonging to 13 species, some of which are new host records. Additionally, it colonized dead coral colonies previously covered by algae or sediment, as well as encrusting coralline algae, showing no clear preference for specific hosts or depth ranges. The study highlights the sponge's adaptability and potential impact on coral ecosystems.

Turicchia, E., Hoeksema, B. W., & Ponti, M. (2018). The coral-killing sponge Chalinula nematifera as a common substrate generalist in Komodo National Park, Indonesia. Marine Biology Research, 14(8), 827–833. https://doi.org/10.1080/17451000.2018.1544420