Glass Sponge

Sponges, like corals, are built up from animal colonies that may survive for thousands of years. Glass sponges are among the most ancient sponges on the planet. According to NOAA, members of this species are frequently discovered in the deep ocean and have skeletons that resemble glass, thus their name. According to a 2012 study published in the journal Chemical Geology, a glass sponge belonging to the species Monorhaphis chuni was around 11,000 years old. Other sponge species may be able to exist for much longer periods of time.

Glass sponges are scarce and are usually found at depths ranging from 450 to 900 meters (1,480 to 2,950 feet) below sea level. Although Oopsacas minuta was discovered in shallow water, additional species have been discovered considerably deeper. They can be found in all of the world's seas, although they are most prevalent in the Antarctic and Northern Pacific.

Age: 10,000+ years old