Description

Sponge
Gabelia fascicula
Lower Devonian (Pragian)
Wenban Limestone
Cortez NV USA
Rare 14mm hexactinellid sponge on 102mm matrix. First we have
ever seen.

Soft-bodied. Hexactinellida.

Gabelia is a genus of glass sponge belonging to a family that appeared in the Late Precambrian and has managed to survive to today, inhabiting deepwater environments now. Scientists have noticed that glass sponges are distinct from other sponges and may be reassigned to their own phylum.

This one comes from a lesser-known site in Nevada. And yes, there are collectors who specialize in sponges and this would an oddball specimen that they would be interested in.