English: The steps of the sponge loop pathway: (1) corals and algae release exudates as dissolved organic matter (DOM), (2) sponges take up DOM, (3) sponges release detrital particulate organic matter (POM), (4) sponge detritus (POM) is taken up by sponge-associated and free-living detritivores. Pathways in solid arrows indicate the steps of trophic transfer of coral-derived carbon and nitrogen demonstrated in the present study. Dashed arrows represent steps of trophic transfer from the literature: (−−−) Rix et al. (2017) and (---) de Goeij et al. (2013)

• Rix L, de Goeij JM, van Oevelen D, Struck U, Al-Horani FA, Wild C and Naumann MS (2017) "Differential recycling of coral and algal dissolved organic matter via the sponge loop". Funct Ecol, 31: 778−789.
• de Goeij JM, van Oevelen D, Vermeij MJA, Osinga R, Middelburg JJ, de Goeij AFPM and Admiraal W (2013) "Surviving in a marine desert: the sponge loop retains resources within coral reefs". Science, 342: 108−110.