What is the sponge predator?

Many sea sponges, like anemones, use toxins to repel would-be predators.

Some species of sea slugs, however, such as Platydoris scabra, have evolved immunity against the toxins of specific sponge families (in this case, Microcionidae).

This adaptation benefits the slugs in two ways. First, they don't have to compete with many other organisms for the sponges. The sea slugs can also concentrate the sponge toxins to foil their own predators -- at least until the slugs' predators also evolve immunity to the toxins.

First answer by Peterfromredcar. Last edit by Peterfromredcar. Contributor trust: 50 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 9 [recommend question]