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Aphrocallistes vastus 

This largish specimen is found in Barb Shaw’s lab. I am told it was trawled up in Hecate

 

 

Lots available on WWW

 Glass sponges are the oldest of 3 sponge branches. Spiclues, cell types and morphology are distinctive.

Aphrocallistes is a widespread taxon and grows several meters high.

See the UCMP site for best technical to semi-popular treatment

 

 And for the sponges in general

Sponge anatomy etc

Easier site “cloud sponge”

 

 

Note the thin-ness of the tissue layer (right) and the 2 colors of tissue (left) perhaps the grey area was buried in sediment ; or was overgrown (dying) as in this Krautter image

 

Sponges as hot research topic

Because sponges just sit there, they can’t run away; nor hide; nor bite back, researchers believe they must have a potent chemical arsenal to “fight” off enemies

Here is one of best basic biology guides I came across; well written Aussie site PDF

Good treatment online including sponge “grades” of development—(down? For summer?