Laevichlamys deliciosa (Iredale, 1939)

Dijkstra, H. H. & Kilburn, R. N., 2001, The family Pectinidae in South Africa and Mozambique (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Pectinoidea), African Invertebrates 42, pp. 263-321 : 288-289

Laevichlamys deliciosa (Iredale, 1939)

(Figs 23–24)

Mimachlamys deliciosa Iredale, 1939: 350 , pl. 5, figs 22–22a. Type locality: Low Isles, SE of Lizard Island,

N Queensland.

Chlamys deliciosa ; Dijkstra, 1991: 30 (synonymy, references).

Laevichlamys deliciosa ; Dijkstra & Kastoro, 1997: 268, fig. 134 (type data, description, distribution).

Chlamys (Chlamys) princessae Kuroda & Habe in Kuroda, Habe & Oyama, 1971: 364, pl. 79, figs 16–17.

Type locality: Sagami Bay , Japan .

Chlamys (Chlamys) princessae ; Rombouts, 1991: 17, pl. 24, fig. 6.

Description: Shell height to 25 mm (averaging ca. 15 mm), elongate, sometimes obliquely oblong, RV slightly more convex than LV, somewhat equilateral, auricles very unequal, umbonal angle ca. 80–85°. Both valves with numerous fine, irregularly spaced, spiny radial riblets, increasing to ca. 45–50 by intercalating riblets towards ventral margin. Intervals microscopically granulated or reticulated in early ontogeny, smooth in late radial stage (i.e. near ventral margin). Anterior auricles with 9–14 fine radial riblets; posterior ones with weaker riblets (6–10). Postero-dorsal margin of hinge line somewhat declivous. Byssal notch small. Active ctenolium with 4–6 teeth. Colour uniformly cream, orange, pink or purple, sometimes also patterned with darker rays or blotches.

23 24

Figs 23–24. Laevichlamys deliciosa (Iredale, 1939) : NMSA S4892, off Boteler Point, Zululand, 70 m, pv, 24.1 x 19.5 mm. 23. LV exterior. 24. RV exterior.

Type material: M. deliciosa : holotype AMS C 89669 . C. (C.) princessae : holotype NSMT-MoR 9610; paratype NSMT-MoR 9611. Seen by HD .

Regional data: MOZAMBIQUE: off Lacerda Lighthouse, 40 km N. of Mapoto, 80 m, among corals (NMSA L4652: J. Rosado). SOUTH AFRICA [all NMSA: NMDP (unless otherwise stated), selected records only]: Zululand: off Kosi Bay, 75 m, coral rubble, sandstone, marine growths, live (D9012); SE of Kosi Bay, 65 m, sponge, gorgonians, medium sand, live (D8068); off Boteler Point, 66 m, sand, rocks, live (S3833); same loc., 71 m, sand, live (S8813); same loc., 70 m, rocks, sand, live (S4892); same loc., 70 m, some coarse sand, some shell rubble, dead (D7365); off Dog Point, 76 m, sandstone rubble, gorgonians, live (S8976); NE of Lala Nek, 66–71 m, coarse sand, sandstone rocks, live (S6110); off Lala Nek, 75 m, coarse sand, sandstone, coral, live (S5838); same loc., 72 m, slightly muddy sand, pennatulids, live (S7322); off Island Rock, 62 m, sandstone, coral, marine growth, live (D6353); off Sodwana Bay, 70 m, coral rubble, live (S3898); off Jesser Point, 68 m, sponge, coral rubble, live (D6508); Ledsman Shoal, 100 m, live (B4057: A. D. Connell). Natal: off Durban Bluff, 80–90 m, grey sandy mud, dead (D3774); Aliwal Shoal, 10–25 m, live (B3065: A. D. Connell).

Distribution: Subtropical-tropical Indo-West Pacific, from southern Japan to northern Australia and New Caledonia, also western Indian Ocean as far south as southern KwaZulu-Natal.

Habitat: Living littorally to sublittorally amongst coral rubble on sandy or muddy sand bottoms. Shell surface often encrusted with sponges.

Remarks: The present specimens from Zululand resemble the type material of Mimachlamys deliciosa , and represent a new record for the region.