A class of deep-sea sponges with skeletons made of six-rayed silica spicules, known for their delicate glass-like appearance.
From Greek 'hexa' (six) + Latin 'actinella' (small ray), referring to the six-rayed spicules that form their distinctive skeletal structure. The term emerged in 19th-century marine biology as scientists studied deep-ocean sponges.
These sponges are called 'glass sponges' because their silicon dioxide skeletons are as clear and fragile as glass—and some species can live for thousands of years in the cold, dark depths, making them among Earth's oldest living things.
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