Conasprella (Boucheticonus) kimioi (Habe, 1965)

Figs 25A–D, M, 26

Rhizoconus kimioi Habe, 1965: 47, pl. 4 figs 1–2.

Conus kimioi – R̂ckel et al. 1995b: no. 244, pl. 52 figs 25–27.

Duodenticonus kimioi – Tucker & Tenorio 2013: 241.

Conasprella kimioi – Monnier et al. 2018a: 206.

Material examined

10 lots (10 specimens). See Supp. file 1.

Type material

Holotype JAPAN • 15 mm; off Okinoshima, Kochi Prefecture, Shikoku; ca 100 m depth; NSMT 38675.

Figured material

NEW CALEDONIA • 19 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. 25A, D) • 15.3 mm; SE Île des Pins, off New Caledonia, stn DW4741; 22°52′ S, 167°41′ E; 210 m depth; 23 Aug. 2016; KANACONO expedition; MNHN-IM-2013-66093 (Fig. 25B) • 18.9 mm; Banc Ellet, off New Caledonia, stn DW3866; 22°52′ S, 169°26′ E; 100 m depth; 16 Sep. 2011; EXBODI expedition; MNHN IM-2009- 31354 (Fig. 25C) • 19 mm; W Île des Pins, off New Caledonia, stn DW4728; 22°43’S, 167°02’E; 150 m; 20 Aug. 2016; KANACONO expedition; MNHN-IM-2013-69345 (Fig. 25M) .

Geographical distribution and bathymetry

Japan to the Philippines, at depths between 120‒ 250 m. In New Caledonia it has been sampled in several locations in Norfolk Ridge, Grand Passage, and also in Loyalty Ridge, at depths of 100‒ 400 m. Also reported from Fiji in 416 m (Moolenbeek et al. 2008), and Wallis & Futuna Islands in 290‒400 m (Moolenbeek & R̂ckel 1996).

Remarks

Small shell (maximum shell length 23 mm), narrowly conical to conical, with a low to moderate spire of concave outline. Protoconch multispiral of 3.5–3.75 whorls (Fig. 25D). Radular tooth (Fig. 25M) with a short barb, a pointed blade, and a very well developed, pointed posterior blade. The anterior section of the tooth is much shorter than the posterior section. Shaft fold present. A basal spur is present on top of the slanted base.