Venus' Flower Baskets [Euplectellidae]

Description

Euplectellidae, commonly known as Venus' flower baskets, are a family of glass sponges with delicate, intricate skeletons. These sponges are predominantly found in deep-sea environments and are notable for their basket-like or tubular shapes. The skeletons of Venus' flower baskets are made up of silica and are highly porous, allowing for the efficient filtering of water to capture food particles. These sponges often house symbiotic organisms, including small shrimp, which enter the sponge as juveniles and grow to become permanent residents, trapped inside the sponge for life.

Genera

Taxonomy