What does a sponge use to capture food?

A sponge captures food using specialized cells called choanocytes, or collar cells. These cells have flagella that create a water current, drawing in water and small food particles such as bacteria and plankton. The collar of microvilli around the flagellum traps these food particles, which are then engulfed by the choanocytes through phagocytosis. This process allows sponges to efficiently filter-feed from their surrounding environment.