![The so-called "E.T. sponge" (Advhena magnifica) prior to being collected in 2016 at a depth of -6,560 feet. Scientists call this class of sponges “glass sponges'' because their skeletons are made of silica (glass). (Image credit: NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research) The so-called "E.T. sponge" (Advhena magnifica) prior to being collected in 2016 at a depth of -6,560 feet. Scientists call this class of sponges “glass sponges'' because their skeletons are made of silica (glass).](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_width_1275/public/legacy/image/2021/Mar/PHOTO-New%20sponge%20species%20discovered%20during%20a%202016%20deepwater%20exploration%20of%20the%20Marianas-Photo%20dated%202016%20-NOAA%20OER-1920%20x%201080.jpg?itok=QazO_Qd9)
The so-called "E.T. sponge" (Advhena magnifica) prior to being collected in 2016 at a depth of -6,560 feet. Scientists call this class of sponges “glass sponges'' because their skeletons are made of silica (glass). (Image credit: NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research)