Image: Invertebrate Zoology Lab

Classification:

Phylum: Porifera
Class: Hexactenellida
Scientific Name: Euplectella aspergillum
Common Name: Vensus' Flower Basket

General Characteristics:

The Venus Flower Basket is radially symmetric and moderately sized, ranging from 7.5cm-1.3m in height. It has a unique lattice structure of fused siliceous spicules, giving it a glass-like look. A net of living tissue surrounds the siliceous spicules that is created by the amoeboid cells called archaeocytes. Within the tubular net are finger-like chambers covered in choanocytes that open into the spongocoel, allowing water to mover through the sponge. The base of Venus' Flower Basket has a tuft of elongated spicules that are used to attach to the ocean bottom. Under unfavorable conditions, reproduction is asexual. Under more favorable conditions, reproduction is likely to be sexual.

Habitat:

Venus' Flower Basket is found attached to rocky areas on the sea floor in depths from 100-1000m below the surface. Their geographic range consists of the western Pacific Ocean near the Philippine Islands.

Importance to Humans:

Little is known about the Venus Flower Basket largley due to the depth at which this animal lives. There is no known importance or direct relationship with humans.

Sources:

Soares, Beau McKenzie. "Euplecta aspergillum". Retrieved from: http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Euplectella_aspergillum/.