< Previous species


ANABATHRIDAE


Next species >


4992-1.jpg (113231 bytes)

 

 

Pisinna castella (Laseron, 1950)

Description: Shell minute, solid, spire moderately convex in outline. Protoconch of 1¾ whorls, sculptured with spiral rows of minute pits, with distinct junction to teleoconch. Teleoconch up to 3¼ straight sided or concave whorls, sculptured with strong axial ribs, dissected by spiral grooves into three spiral rows of strong nodules. Axials and nodules fading out on last ¼ whorl and on base. Aperture almost circular, outer lip expanded, without varix externally. Colour wine red, fading to fawn or yellow; last half whorl paler.

Size: Up to 1.9 mm in length.

Distribution: Endemic to Australia: Cape Moreton, Queensland, southwards to Twofold Bay, NSW.

Habitat: "Occasionally found in the lowest portion of the intertidal zone but usually located in the sublittoral where it extends into moderately deep water. It has been found living on algae and beneath stones." (Ponder & Yoo, 1976). Uncommon in beach washup.

Comparison: This species stands out because of the three spiral rows of nodules. See Comparison of Pisinna species for comparison within the genus.

Synonymy: None.

Fig. 1:  Vaucluse, Port Jackson, NSW (C.352731)

 

Copyright Des Beechey 2010