Cladorhiza is a genus of carnivorous sponges, comprising around 40 species found in oceans around the world. Cladorhiza is the type genus of the family Cladorhizidae.
Hexasterophora are a subclass of glass sponges in the class Hexactinellida. Most living hexasterophorans can be divided into three orders: Lyssacinosida, Lychniscosida, and Sceptrulophora. Like other glass sponges, hexasterophorans have skeletons composed of overlapping six-rayed spicules. In addition, they can be characterized by the presence of hexasters, a type of microsclere with six rays unfurling into multi-branched structures.
Lyssacinosida is an order of glass sponges (Hexactinellida) belonging to the subclass Hexasterophora. These sponges can be recognized by their parenchymal spicules usually being unconnected, unlike in other sponges in the subclass where the spicules form a more or less tightly connected skeleton. Lyssacine sponges have existed since the Upper Ordovician, and three families are still alive today. The Venus' flower basket is one of the most well-known and culturally significant of the glass sponges.
Euplectellidae is a family of glass sponges (Hexactinellids) belonging to the order Lyssacinosa, first represented in the Ordovician fossil record, substantially older than molecular estimates of the clade's age.
Caulophacus is a genus of glass sponges belonging to the subfamily Lanuginellinae.
Caulophacus elegans is a species of glass sponges belonging to the subfamily Lanuginellinae. The type specimen has been found in Central Kuroshio Current, near Japan.
Staurocalyptus is a genus of sponge. It was circumscribed in 1897 by Isao Ijima.
Amphidiscosida is an order of hexactinellids. The Amphidiscosida are commonly regarded as the only living sponges in the subclass Amphidiscophora.
Acanthascus is a genus of sponges in the family Rossellidae. Species include:
Sceptrulophora is an order of hexactinellid sponges. They are characterized by sceptrules, a type of microsclere with a single straight rod terminating at a bundle of spines or knobs. An anchor- or nail-shaped sceptrule is called a clavule. A fork-shaped sceptrule, ending at a few large tines, is called a scopule. A broom-shaped sceptrule, ending at many small bristles, is called a sarule.
Aspidoscopulia is a genus of glass sponge in the family Farreidae.
Claviscopulia is a genus of glass sponge in the family Farreidae.
Bolosoma is a genus of pedunculated siliceous sponges belonging to the family Euplectellidae. This genus lives in deep-sea environments and provides a habitat for a plethora of other benthic species, giving Bolosoma an incredibly important ecological role in the ecosystems it is a part of.
Rosella is a genus of glass sponges in the family Rossellidae. It is found in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions.
Rossella antarctica is a relatively small species of glass sponge. It is widely distributed in the southern hemisphere, particularly in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions.
Euplectella paratetractina is a species of glass sponge in the family Euplectellidae. It has been found in waters off the coast of Australia.
Caulophacus brandti is a species of glass sponges belonging to the subfamily Lanuginellinae. It is known from type specimens found in the Weddell Sea. The specific epithet was given in honor of Angelika Brandt.
Caulophacus discohexactinus is a species of glass sponges belonging to the subfamily Lanuginellinae. It is known from a type specimen found in the Weddell Sea. The specific epithet was given to refer to the discohexactine shape of the species' microscleres.
Caulophacus weddelli is a species of glass sponges belonging to the subfamily Lanuginellinae. It is the only species in the subgenus Oxydiscus. It is known from a type specimen found in the Weddell Sea, which lends its name to the specific epithet weddelli.
