Sponges Gallery

Sponges have a fossil record extending back to the last part of the Precambrian, about 550 million years ago. In Kansas, fossil sponges can be found in the Pennsylvanian and Permian rocks in the eastern part of the state.
Amblysiphonella cross section

Amblysiphonella Cross Section

The doughnut-like shapes on this limestone slab are cross sections through the branches of a tubular Pennsylvanian sponge, Amblysiphonella. The fossil was collected in the upper part of the Avoca Limestone Member, Lecompton Limestone, Greenwood County.

Maeandrostia

Maeandrostia

This Pennsylvanian sponge, belonging to the genus Maeandrostia, is an example of a branching form; note the raised pores on the surface of the branches. These fossils were collected from the Hickory Creek Shale Member, Plattsburg Limestone, Wilson County.

Amblysiphonella

Amblysiphonella

Individual chambers and central cavity are clearly visible in this Amblysiphonella specimen from the Hartford Limestone Member, Topeka Limestone, Greenwood County. Amblysiphonella is believed to have been a branching form.