So was reading literature for my project I’ve been working on and found out that [b]FLESH EATING SPONGES EXIST[/b]. These sponges do not filter any water and look more like coral than anything.
So among these are the harp sponge and ping pong tree sponge (google image it you won’t be disappointed). These sponges have modified parts that serve as Velcro like hooks that trap small crustaceans. Once a crustacean is trapped, the sponge mobilizes cells to the location and slowly begins trapping it more and more. Scientists have watched the process and can confirm that the sponge uses no toxins to paralyze prey because they can see the crustacean struggling for hours to try and escape before the sponge finally encompasses it completely in the murder cocoon. Once inside the sponge begins to digest it where it is! Imaging has been done, revealing leftover shell inside of the murder cocoon. I will add an edit when I wake up with two papers on these nightmare fuel Porifera.
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Oh, I’ve seen those tree sponges in Splatoon! These things don’t eat cephalopods, do they? Agent 8 was never at risk of getting eaten alive on that subway, was she?