When most people think of sponges, Killer Sponges are not the first thought that comes to mind. However, they do in fact exist.

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Up until just this month, there were only 7 known species of carnivorous sponges, most of which were found in the Mediterranean. However, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute recently discovered 4 new species of carnivorous sponges. These discoveries bring the total known number of carnivorous sponges to 11.

Two of the species found were off the California Coast, one in the Gulf of California off Mexico, and the last species was found off south Vancouver Island. To feed, the carnivorous sponges use microscopic hooks to snare tiny crustaceans and then slowly eat them, using specialized enzymes. MORE