Spongivore

As a result of their diet, spongivore animals like the hawksbill turtle have developed sharp, narrow bird-like beak that allows them to reach within crevices on the reef to obtain sponges.

[2] Pomacanthus imperator, the emperor angelfish;[3][4] Lactophrys bicaudalis, the spotted trunkfish;[5] and Stephanolepis hispidus, the planehead filefish[6] are known spongivorous coral reef fish.

Spongivores have three primary strategies for dealing with sponge defenses: choice based on colour, able to handle secondary metabolites and brain development for memory.

[9] Spongivores also have enough brain development to be able to remember the same species of sponge it has eaten in the past and will continue to eat in the future.

[12] Sponges play an important role in the benthic fauna throughout temperate, tropical and polar habitats.

[13] If there is a high volume of predation it can effect bio erosion, reef creation, multiple habitats, other species and help with the nitrogen levels.

Sponges also grown between rocks and boulders, providing a more stable environment and lowering the disturbance levels.