Glossocardia obesa (Reeve, 1843)

Oliver, P. Graham & Holmes, Anna, 2004, Cryptic bivalves with descriptions of new species from the Rodrigues lagoon, Journal of Natural History 38 (23), pp. 3175-3227 : 3218-3219

Glossocardia obesa (Reeve, 1843)

( figures 148–151 )

Material examined. Juvenile on SEM stub from Grand Pate´, NMW.Z. 2001.061.00043; one specimen collected, 19 ‡ 39.173 ’ S 63 ‡ 27.456 ’ E, 20 m , collected by M. Smale, NMW.Z.2001.061.00053.

Description. Small hyaline valves with a rhomboidal outline and carinate posterior slope; posterior area with a fine scabrous sculpture. The hinge ( figure 151 ) is very similar in form to that of Coralliophaga ( figure 147 ).

Remarks. It is most likely that these valves represent juveniles of a trapeziid and probably Glossocardia obesa (Reeve, 1843) . This is the only trapeziid so far found at Rodrigues and the scabrous sculpture and carinate posterior are shared with the juveniles described above.

Figures

FIGS. 148–151. Glossocardia obesa, NMW.Z.2001.061.00043: (148) external left valve (MontageTM); (149) external right valve (MontageTM); (150) external right valve (SEM); (151) hinge view, left valve (SEM).

FIGS. 145–147. Coralliophaga coralliophaga, NMW.Z.2001.061.00042: (145, 146) external right valves (MontageTM); (147) hinge view, left valve (SEM).