Glass Rope Sponge [Hyalonema sieboldi]
Description
The Glass Rope Sponge, scientifically known as Hyalonema sieboldi, is a species of sponge noted for its unique appearance resembling a rope made of glass. It is found in deep sea environments, typically attached to hard surfaces such as rocks and sunken objects. It has a distinctive structure composed of a mass of spicules, which are long and slender siliceous elements. The spicules form the 'rope' that provides the sponge with its common name. The body of the sponge is typically bulbous and can reach up to 30 cm in diameter. Its behavior is largely sedentary, as with other sponges, and it feeds by filtering small particles from the surrounding water.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Sponges
Porifera
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Hexactinellida
Hexactinellida
|
| Order |
Hexactinosida
Hexactinosida
|
| Family |
Glass Rope Sponges
Hyalonematidae
|
| Genus |
Glass Ropes
Hyalonema
|