The museum is hosting a sponge-themed day tomorrow and the centrepiece is an 80cm by 80cm Neptune’s Cup sponge.
Natural science collection technician On Lee Lau said sponges were one of the most overlooked animals. They had been around for millions of years doing some pretty awesome things.
"They form the base of the sea floor, so it’s an under-studied and under-visited area and every time we go there we find something new."
Sponges soaked in DNA from species that were hidden around them and incorporated them into their structure, she said.
This made them great at giving clues about what other species existed in their environment.
However, little was known about the biology of Neptune’s Cup because it was thought to be extinct for 100 years until rediscovered in the Pacific Ocean.
Ms Lau said Victorian collectors had severely depleted their numbers.
"They have become really rare due to over-harvesting over 100 years ago but some of the populations are coming back and scientists are really keen to make sure they’re protected so we can learn from them."
As well as the Neptune’s Cup display, tomorrow’s event will feature an an interactive Aquavan with underwater species from around Otago, a talk from glass sponge expert Prof Sally Leys and a screening of The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie.
The Neptune’s Cup will be on display for a week.
