Dictyoceratid sponges do not have the usual mineral spicules (rod-like structures that make up many sponge skeletons). Instead they are made entirely of elastic spongin (protein) fibers organized into networks. This makes their bodies tough and flexible. They are easy to squish, but hard to tear. The surface of their body is typically raised up in little cone-shaped points, making it look like they have goosebumps. The bumps are actually projections from the underlying skeletal fibers, and in some species the bumps are expanded into an armor-like covering. Dictyoceratids have the habit of incorporating debris (such as sand grains or spicules shed by other sponges) into their skeletons, making them harder.