Aulocystidae SOLD
System: Cretaceous.
Series: Superior.
Floor: Cenomanian.
Origin: Le Petit Blanc Nez, Pas de Calais, France.
Measurements: 5.2 cm x 4 cm
Aulocystidae is a family of glassy marine sponges (class Hexactinellida) that belong to the order Lychniscosida (sponges with parenchymatic spicules completely fused into a 3D structure, characterized by the presence of additional struts at the skeleton nodes. These struts create octahedral structures, known as "lantern" lycnisches. Most members of the order are extinct, with their greatest diversity as important reef builders in the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.
Hexactinellids are sponges whose mineral skeleton is composed of siliceous spicules with six rays that intersect at right angles, known as hexactins, which gives its name to the group.
