Unusual Coexistence: Sharks Thrive in Australian Sponge Habitats

Researchers in Australia have made an unexpected discovery of banded sand catsharks, a small shark species, living inside sponges. The sharks, which are vulnerable to predation by larger sharks and fish, may use the sponges as a hiding place during the day to avoid becoming prey themselves. The researchers found as many as 30 sharks packed into a single sponge and suspect that the sponges may benefit from the sharks' presence by having protection from small fish or invertebrates that would otherwise feed on them. Further investigation is needed to understand the full extent of this behavior and its implications.