Arizona sponge

[DPS Ammonite]

I found part of a sponge from the Pennsylvanian Naco Formation. The sponge is 5 cm in maximum width. The needle like structures average about 0.2 mm in diameter. Are the needle like structures part of a sponge body or part of the roots?  Species? A cross section shows the needles radiate from the center. 

 

Photos:

1 top

2 bottom

3 cross section

4 detail

[TqB]

Lovely specimen - I've always understood that sort of thing from the Carboniferous to be a root mass, loosely called "Hyalostelia" as a form genus though it's a real genus too for which you'd need body spicules for an ID.

 

Is @Spongy Joe around at the moment?

[doushantuo]

I noticed an increased scientific output from Joe the last half year or so.

My guess is he's busy with his field work