Danilia textilis Herbert, 2012

Fig. 14C

Danilia textilis Herbert, 2012: 415, figs 4e, 6c, 13, 15–17.

Type loc.: off Rame Head, E Cape, South Africa, depth 150–160 m .

Danilia textilis – Herbert 2015: 32.

Material examined

WALTERS SHOAL – slopes • 6 empty shells; stn DW4886; 33°17′ S, 43°56′ E; depth 573–582 m; 3 May 2017; MNHN • 1 living specimen; stn DW4887; 33°17′ S, 43°57′ E; depth 599–640 m; 3 May 2017; DNA tissue sample; MNHN-IM-2013-67255 • 1 living specimen; stn DW4887; 33°17′ S, 43°57′ E; depth 599–640 m; 3 May 2017; DNA tissue sample; MNHN-IM-2013-67256 • 6 empty shells; stn DW4890; 33°09′ S, 43°59′ E; depth 492– 588 m; 4 May 2017; MNHN • 1 living specimen; stn DW4897; 33°09′ S, 43°59′ E; depth 490–584 m; 5 May 2017; DNA tissue sample; MNHN-IM-2013-67257 • 2 empty shells; stn DW4897; 33°09′ S, 43°59′ E; depth 490–584 m; 5 May 2017; MNHN .

Distribution

East coast of South Africa to central Mozambique, in 110–500 m (Herbert 2012) and Walters Shoal where it occurs on the slopes at depths of 582–599 m (live-taken material 584–599 m); dredged on coarse sand and rocks with diverse sponges, cnidarians, crustaceans and ophiuroids.

Remarks

In most respects, specimens from Walters Shoal are identical to those occurring off continental south-east Africa. The only consistent morphological difference is that the shells from Walters Shoal are all uniformly white or pale buff, whereas continental shells are commonly mottled or blotched with brown and even the palest specimens have some brown markings associated with the outer lip varix. This difference may relate to the fact that on Walters Shoal the species occurs at somewhat greater depths (live-taken specimens 584–599 m vs 150–250 m). The illustrated specimen was live-taken and has a tube of cemented sediment particles attached to the shell opposite the outer lip and opening near the base of the columella. It is probable that this was made by a polychaete worm and may be indicative of a commensal relationship. The remains of similarly positioned tubes are evident on additional deadcollected specimens.