Venus' Flower Basket [Euplectella aspergillum]
Description
Euplectella aspergillum, commonly known as Venus' Flower Basket, is a hexactinellid sponge found in the deep ocean. The sponge is characterized by its unique, intricate lattice structure made of siliceous spicules. This species is often found anchored to the seafloor in areas with soft sediment. It is sessile and filter feeds, extracting tiny particles from the water column. The sponge is also known for housing a pair of symbiotic shrimp, which are often found as a male-female pair.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Sponges
Porifera
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Hexactinellida
Hexactinellida
|
| Order |
Lyssacinosida
Lyssacinosida
|
| Family |
Euplectellidae
Euplectellidae
|
| Genus |
Euplectella
Euplectella
|