Conus (Taranteconus) chiangi (Azuma, 1972)

Figs 2, 82A–H, M, 83

Taranteconus chiangi Azuma, 1972: 56, text-figs 5–6. Cornutoconus lamellatus Suzuki, 1972: 2, text-fig. 1.

Conus chiangi – R̂ckel et al. 1995b: no. 238, pl. 51 figs 25–27.

Taranteconus chiangi – Tucker & Tenorio 2013: 136. — Monnier et al. 2018a: 287.

Material examined

28 lots (34 specimens). See Supp. file 1.

Type material

Holotype SOUTH CHINA SEA • 18 mm; ca 366 m depth; coll. Azuma no. 15777.

Figured material

NEW CALEDONIA • 16.7 mm; Norfolk Ridge, Banc Kaimon Maru, off New Caledonia, stn DW1675; 24º45′ S, 168º09′ E; 231–233 m depth; 22 Jun. 2001; NORFOLK 1 expedition; MNHN (Fig. 82A, H) • 14.9 mm; Norfolk Ridge, Banc P, off New Caledonia, stn DW1726; 23º18′ S, 168º15′ E; 185–207 m depth; 27 Jun. 2001; NORFOLK 1 expedition; MNHN (Fig. 82B) • 16.1 mm; Norfolk Ridge, Munida, off New Caledonia, stn DW3106; 23°02′ S, 168°21′ E; 180–220 m depth; 27 Oct. 2008; TERRASSES expedition; MNHN (Fig. 82C) • 17.1 mm; Norfolk Ridge, Banc Crypthélia, off New Caledonia, stn DW2123; 23º18′ S, 168º15′ E; 187‒197 m depth; 2 Nov. 2003; NORFOLK 2 expedition; MNHN (Fig. 82D) • 15 mm; Norfolk Ridge, off New Caledonia, stn DW158; 24º47′ S, 168º08′ E; 262‒290 m depth; 28 Jan. 1993; SMIB 8 expedition; MNHN (Fig. 82E) • 18 mm; same collection data as for preceding; MNHN (Fig. 82F) • 14 mm; off S New Caledonia, stn DW95; 23º00′ S, 168º20′ E; 200 m depth; 14 Sep. 1989; SMIB 5 expedition; MNHN (Fig. 82G) • 19.8 mm; Bohol Island, Philippines; J. Conde coll.; MNCN (Fig. 82M) .

Geographical distribution and bathymetry

Japan to the Philippines, at depths between 200– 400 m. In New Caledonia it has been sampled at multiple localities (Coral Sea, Norfolk Ridge, Grand Passage area, Loyalty Islands), typically at depths between 200 and 400 m.

Remarks

Small conical shell (maximum shell length 25 mm) with a moderate to high spire of straight to slightly concave profile. Characteristic hollow spinose processes present at shoulder angle. Multispiral protoconch of about 3 whorls (Fig. 82H). Last whorl with spiral ribs, often granulated. Radular tooth (Fig. 82M) with the anterior section much shorter than the posterior section. Tooth serrated with 7–8 denticles arranged in one row, ending on a large, pointed cusp. Barb small. Blade pointed, covering about 60–70% of the anterior section of the tooth. Strong basal spur present on top of the very large base. In the phylogeny (Fig. 2), C. (T.) chiangi is sister to C. (T.) polongimarumai . In the phylogeny of Phuong et al. (2019), C. (T.) chiangi appears sister to a clade which contains Indo-Pacific species included in the (sub)genus Rhombiconus Tucker & Tenorio, 2009 . The latter species are known to prey selectively on amphinomid polychaete worms.