Jeff Goddard, USA
Info
Polymastia pachymastia de Laubenfels, 1932
The type locality is northern California.
A white to dark yellow crustal sponge with conical shaped papillae ending in a single osculum. The area around the papillae is typically covered with detritus. The papillae are up to 2 cm high and 3 cm thick. The entire sponge reaches a diameter of up to 1 m.
Habitat: Low intertidal to 55 m, on rocks in areas with both strong and low currents.
Remarks: Papillae can contract and close the oscula, giving the sponge a completely different appearance.
Possibility of confusion: The papillae of Polymastia pacifica and Polymastia piscesae are significantly narrower and more elongated.
The type locality is northern California.
A white to dark yellow crustal sponge with conical shaped papillae ending in a single osculum. The area around the papillae is typically covered with detritus. The papillae are up to 2 cm high and 3 cm thick. The entire sponge reaches a diameter of up to 1 m.
Habitat: Low intertidal to 55 m, on rocks in areas with both strong and low currents.
Remarks: Papillae can contract and close the oscula, giving the sponge a completely different appearance.
Possibility of confusion: The papillae of Polymastia pacifica and Polymastia piscesae are significantly narrower and more elongated.
