Spatial Ecology of the Association between Demosponges and Nemalecium lighti at Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean

Coral reefs are known to be among the most biodiverse marine ecosystems and one of richest in terms associations species interactions, especially those involving invertebrates such as corals sponges. Despite that, our knowledge about cryptic fauna their ecological role remains remarkably scarce. This study aimed address this gap by defining for first time spatial ecology association between epibiont hydrozoan Nemalecium lighti Porifera community shallow coral reef systems at Bonaire. In particular, host range, prevalence, distribution were examined relation different sites, depths, dimensions sponge hosts. We report with 9 out 16 genera sponges encountered 15 dive sites examined. The prevalence hydroid–sponge Bonaire was 6.55%, a maximum value over 30%. has been found generalist symbiont, displaying strong preference genus Aplysina, no significant depth. On contrary, size appeared influence association, large tubular preferred host. Although further studies needed better understand biological reason these results, improved Bonaire’s cryptofauna diversity its interspecific associations.