Question

Which sponge is given as a gift in Japan?
a. Hyalonema
b. Euplectella
c. Tethya
d. Leucosolenia

Answer 1

Hint: It is also called a glass sponge and is a symbol of undying love in Japan.

Complete answer:
The Venus flower basket or Euplectella is the sponge that is given as a gift in Japan. It is a marine sponge found in the deep waters of the Pacific ocean. Their skeletons are presented as nuptial gifts.

Additional information:
1. Euplectella builds its skeleton from silica, which is unique as they do not require the heart to form their structure.
2. They are superior to artificially manufactured fiber optics as they do not need any artificial conditions.
3. They have a mutual relationship with the shrimps until they die, this influenced the adoption of the sponge as a symbol of undying love.
4. They are found in a small area of the sea near the Philippine Islands.
5. Similar species to glass sponge are found in Japan and other parts of the Western Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean.
6. Their body is composed of silica in the firm of six siliceous spicules, thus commonly called a glass sponge.
7. These sponges show bioluminescence to attract plankton.
8. They extract silicic acid from the seawater and convert them into silica.
So, the correct answer is ‘Euplectella’.

Note: Hyalonema is also called glass rope sponge, it is a very unique species of sponges that do not have any organ system or tissues. They are siliceous and have a glass-like appearance. Tethya is a sea sponge with a spherical body. They are very fast in their movement. Leucosolenia is a calcareous sponge whose shape is like a tiny branch of banana.