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|class=Hexactinellida}}

|class=Hexactinellida}}

'''Hexactinellid''' [[porifera|sponges]], commonly referred to as '''glass sponges''', are those sponges with a [[silica|silaceous]] [[skeleton]] made of four- and/or six-pointed spicules. They are distributed worldwide, usually at depths between 200 and 1000 m, and are especially abundant in the [[Antarctica|Antarctic]]. All glass sponges are upright, and have specialized structures at their bases for securing themselves to the ocean floor. Typically they are cylindrical, but may also be cup-shaped, urn-shaped, or branching. The average height of a hexactinellid is between 10 and 30 cm.<ref>'''Myers, P.''' ''Hexactinellida'' [http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Hexactinellida.html Animal Diversity Web] Accessed July 9 2007</ref>

'''Hexactinellid''' [[porifera|sponges]], commonly referred to as '''glass sponges''', are those sponges with a [[silica|silaceous]] [[skeleton]] made of four- and/or six-pointed spicules. They are distributed worldwide, usually at depths between 200 and 1000 m, and are especially abundant in the [[Antarctica|Antarctic]]. All glass sponges are upright, and have specialized structures at their bases for securing themselves to the ocean floor. Typically they are cylindrical, but may also be cup-shaped, urn-shaped, or branching. The average height of a hexactinellid is between 10 and 30&nbsp;cm.<ref>'''Myers, P.''' ''Hexactinellida'' [http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Hexactinellida.html Animal Diversity Web] Accessed July 9, 2007</ref>

Because there are several very important, fundamental differences between hexactinellids and other sponges, many experts now suggest that Hexactinellida comprises a distinct phylum.<ref>'''Myers''' op cit</ref>

Because there are several very important, fundamental differences between hexactinellids and other sponges, many experts now suggest that Hexactinellida comprises a distinct phylum.<ref>'''Myers''' op cit</ref>