Figure 2

Processing of coral mucus C and N by the warm-water sponge Mycale fistulifera and the cold-water sponge Hymedesmia coriacea.

Data presented as daily incorporation rates (mean ± SD) of coral mucus C and N assimilated into sponge tissue (μmol C or N_mucus mmol C or N_sponge⁻¹ d⁻¹) and daily release rates of coral mucus C and N in sponge detritus (μmol C or N_mucus mmol C or N_sponge⁻¹ d⁻¹). Rates shown for M. fistulifera after 3 and 5 days exposure to labeled warm-water coral mucus and for H. coriacea after 4 days exposure to labeled cold-water coral mucus*. *Note that the cold-water sponge tissue data are from three sponge specimens maintained in a single experimental chamber during the labeling procedure. Subsequent detritus production incubations were conducted in individual chambers.