1. Euplectella is popularly known as Venuss flower basket due to its beautiful elegant glossy shape.
2.It has a long curved, cylindrical body fastened in the mud of the sea bottom by a mass of long siliceous root spicules.
3.The size of individual varies from 15-30 cm in length and 2-5 cm in diameter.
4. The skeleton consists of four or six rayed siliceous spicules which are interlaced and fused at their root tips forming a three dimensional network with parietal gaps.
5.The spicules are joined together forming a network
6.The terminal opening is closed by an ocular sieve.
7.The parietal gaps in the network of spicules connect with the spongocoel.
8.Canal system is of simple sycon type.
9.Euplectella displays an interesting commercial relationship with certain species of shrimps.
10.Euplectella has great social and mythological value. The skeleton of this sponge, having imprisoned shrimps inside, is presented as a wedding gift to newly married couples in Japan.This signifies association.
11.Euplectella is a solitary animal. It is found abundantly in deep waters at the depth of 500 to 5,000 meters in slow running water.
12.Euplectella is abundant near the philippine island and West Indies.
Source:
1. Practical Zoology Invertebrates by S.S.Lal. 2. A Manual of Practical Zoology Chordates by Dr. P.S. Verma.
