Who lives in a sponge under the sea? Tiny Caribbean fish and their microscopic neighbors

Two new studies involving Newcastle University marine scientist Dr. Theresa Rueger have highlighted how the tusked goby's relationship with its host sponge shapes almost every aspect of its life. Rueger, a senior lecturer in tropical marine sciences at Newcastle University's School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, is senior author of one study and co-author of the other, which together uncover the influence of sponges on the tiny Caribbean reef fish's social behavior, growth, reproduction and microbiome.