Euplectella

Euplectella is a Genus in class Hexactinellida of Phylum Porifera. These are glass like sponges, commonly called “Venus' Flower Basket”. Their skeleton consists of silica spicules, which form intricate geometric patterns. These are typically found on muddy sea bottoms in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. As sessile organisms, Euplectella sponges remain fixed to a substrate once attached and do not move. They inhabit depths ranging from 100 to 1,000 meters, with a preference for depths greater than 500 meters.

1.0Euplectella Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Porifera
• Class: Hexactinellida (Glass Sponges)
• Order: Lyssacinosida
• Family: Euplectellidae
• Genus: Euplectella
• Species: aspergillum

Scientific Name: Euplectella aspergillum

Euplectella Aspergillum:

• Euplectella aspergillum, commonly known as the “Venus' Flower Basket” is a type of marine sponge that belongs to the class Hexactinellida. 
• These sponges are known for their intricate and delicate silica skeletons, which can resemble a glass lattice or mesh. 
• They are found in deep-sea environments and are notable for their unique and beautiful skeletal structures. 
• The sponges filter water to obtain food and have a fascinating biological structure, contributing to their ecological role in marine habitats.

2.0Characteristics of Euplectella Glass Sponge

The Euplectella glass sponge has several distinctive characteristics:

• Skeleton: Its skeleton is silica and forms a complex, lattice-like structure. This skeleton is often translucent and gives the sponge its "glass" appearance.
• Shape: The sponge typically has a cylindrical or funnel-shaped body reinforced by the silica lattice. The structure can be elaborate, with mesh-like patterns.
• Size: Euplectella sponges can vary in size, but they are generally large compared to other sponges, with some species reaching lengths of up to 30 centimeters (about 12 inches).
• Feeding: Like other sponges, Euplectella filter-feeds by drawing water through its pores and filtering out microscopic food particles, such as plankton.
• Reproduction: These sponges reproduce both sexually and asexually. They produce larvae that can drift in the water column before settling on a suitable surface to grow into a new sponge.
• Symbiosis: Euplectella often hosts symbiotic organisms, including certain types of shrimp, which benefit from the sponge's protection while providing cleaning services in return.
• Their unique structure and deep-sea habitat make them a fascinating subject for scientific study and a beautiful example of marine biodiversity.

3.0Where Does Euplectella Live?

• Euplectella sponges are typically found in deep-sea environments. 
• They are commonly located at significant depths, ranging from about 100 meters (330 feet) to over 1,000 meters (3,300 feet). 
• Their habitats are usually on the seafloor in areas with stable, cold temperatures and low light conditions. 
• These sponges can be found in various oceanic regions around the world, including the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. 
• Their preference for deep-sea habitats means they are often encountered in underwater canyons, continental slopes, and other deep-sea environments where they can anchor to the seabed.

4.0Structure of Euplectella 

The structure of Euplectella sponges, also known as glass sponges, is highly specialized and intricate.

Silica Skeleton:

• Spicules: The skeleton of Euplectella is made up of spicules composed of silica (silicon dioxide). These spicules are often fused to form a complex, lattice-like framework. The structure resembles a delicate glass mesh or lattice.

Body Plan:

• Osculum: The large opening at the top of the sponge through which water exits.
• Incurrent Canals: Allow water to flow into the sponge. 
• Spongocoel: The central cavity or chamber within the sponge where water accumulates before exiting the osculum. These are lined with Choanocytes (collar cells) that help filter and move water.
• Excurrent Canal: The canal that carries water from the spongocoel to the osculum.

Surface Pores:

• Ostia: Tiny pores on the outer surface of the sponge through which water enters. They are distributed across the sponge's surface and critical for its filter-feeding process.

Choanocytes:

• Collar Cells: These specialized (Barrel Shaped) cells line the internal canals and chambers. They have a Fimbrae (collar of microvilli) around a flagellum, which creates water currents and traps food particles for feeding.

Internal Structure:

• Fibrous Mesh: The sponge's internal framework includes a network of interconnected spicules that support its shape and provide rigidity.
• Combining these features allows Euplectella to filter water and effectively capture microscopic food particles. Its intricate silica lattice supports the sponge's structure and adds to its unique and visually striking appearance.

5.0Examples of Euplectella Species

Euplectella aspergillum:

• Often known as the "Venus' Flower Basket," this species is notable for its intricate lattice structure and is one of the most well-known members of the genus.

Euplectella tubularis:

• Another species within this genus, characterized by its tube-like shape and complex silica skeleton.

Euplectella muelleri: 

• This species also displays the typical glass sponge structure found in deep-sea habitats. These sponges are recognized for their beautiful and complex silica skeletons, which can take various forms, including lattices and mesh-like structures. 
• They play important ecological roles in their deep-sea environments by filtering water and providing habitat for other marine organisms.