Regispongia contorta (King)

Regispongia contorta (King)sponge spicule
Regispongia contorta and spicule (right)
 
General abundance:  Common

The Spicule was found while examining shale samples.
Most of the macro-size specimens found at this locality
were found while using the microscope.

Regispongia has spicules with eight-sided rays.
The spicules interlock to provide support and
protection for the animal.

References:

Fossils of Ohio (pages 54-55, 62 and page 63 fig. 1-5)
Texas Monthly Field Guide 2nd Edition (pl. 33 photo 42)
Invertebrate Fossils
     Moore, Lalicker, & Fischer 1952 (pages 90-91)

Viewer Comments:

Regispongia is a Carboniferous genus described by
K. Rigby in 1978, and belongs in the Class Calcarea.
Dr. Tom Yancey

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