Hawksbill turtles survive by eating glass-like sponges that are toxic to other animals

Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) occupy a highly specialized ecological niche by feeding almost exclusively on marine sponges. These sponges are defended by a dense matrix of glass-like silica needles called spicules and are often laced with potent toxins like those found in Neofibularia nolitangere. The turtles' specialized jaws allow them to pry these organisms from crevices, providing a service to coral reefs by preventing sponges from overgrowing the coral.