Pachysalax processifer
Schrammen 1910
Pachysalax processifer is a very rare species, and Schrammen's (1910) description is based on a single specimen. Later, Schrammen could add a second specimen to his collection (Schrammen, 1924).
The most recently recovered specimen of Pachysalax processifer is very typical. It is characterized by its peculiar cylindrical protrusions with groups of exhalent pores on their terminal faces. These protrusions emerge from the smooth, hemispherical top of the sponge, which shows many tiny, indistinct inhalent pores. The lower part is obconical and covered with numerous small rootlets which give it a rough surface. The skeleton is made up of rhizoclones. The surface rhizoclones appear to be flattened and form an indistinct dermal layer.
The second specimen of Pachysalax processifer is more nodular (spherical) in habit. It has a narrow flat base with few, minute rootlets (bottom picture).