Coralliophila sp. B

(Fig. 6A, B)

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — Marotiri Is., BENTHAUS, stn DW 1881, 27°54.6’S, 143°28.5’W, 112-121 m, 1 dd.

DESCRIPTION

Shell of small size for the genus, 8.1 mm high, 5 mm wide. Protoconch abraded of 1.8 whorls, with two spiral keels.Teleoconch of 4.5 turriculated whorls, spire high, conical, with flat sides. Aperture damaged, oval, siphonal canal long, open; twisted, imbricate fasciole, umbilical chink closed.Teleoconch spiral sculpture of 14 cordlets and two major cords, irregularly disposed; 6 cordlets and the adapical cord visible above the aperture. Axial sculpture of 8-10 broad orthocline ribs. Shell ground colour orange-pinkish.

REMARKS

I have been unable to identfy with certainty this shell. It is a partly broken juvenile which superficially resembles to Coralliophila abnormis (E. A. Smith, 1878) and to juveniles of C. fearnley (Emerson & D’Attilio, 1965) but differs in the stronger spiral and axial sculpture, and the wider protoconch at the base. Due to the lack of additional material I refrain from describing a new taxon. Th e shell is in relatively good condition, but its habitat (shallow or deep waters) cannot be defined.