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BUCCINIDAE

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Penion maximus (Tryon, 1881)

Description: Shell light to medium in weight, whorls sharply angled. Nodules on the periphery strong on spire whorls, sometimes becoming indistinct on the body whorl. Sculptured with low spiral ribs with finer riblets between; about 14-20 on the penultimate whorl. Outer lip denticulate in mature shells, interior lirate; columella smooth. Colour fawn or orange brown, often with a dark brown band on the periphery and two further indistinct bands below on the body whorl, with nodules white. Interior white, outer lip brown with white denticles. Covered with a thin brown periostracum; operculum corneous, leaf shaped.

Size: Up to 260 mm in length.

Distribution: Endemic to Australia; Caloundra, Qld, to Wilsons Promontory, Vic, and Tas., in 18-549 meters. Common.

Remarks: This species is commonly trawled off Sydney in 60 meters, being obtained much more frequently than P. mandarinus. It is readily distinguished from P. mandarinus by being a lighter weight shell, sharply angled at the periphery, with broad spiral brown bands.

Figs. 1,2: Off Sydney in 60-70 fathoms (DLB3004)

Copyright Des Beechey 2000