The Hexactinellida are the glass sponges, so-called due to their siliceous skeletons. The spicules have six rays and are united to form a network. The body is usually cylindirical or funnel-shaped. Most Hexactinellida are syconoid or leuconoid in body organization.
All species are marine and most inhabit deep water.
As in other members of its class, its spicules are composed of silica and are six-rayed. Sponsored in part by the Interagency Education Research Initiative, the Homeland Foundation and the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology . The ADW Team gratefully acknowledges their support. For more information.