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CERITHIOPSIDAE |
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Synthopsis virgula (Laseron, 1951) Description (based solely on holotype): Shell small for the family, slender, spire convex in outline. Protoconch about 3 whorls, worn, nuclear whorl broken; first whorl apparently smooth, later whorls with widely spaced axial folds on lower half; shell expands rapidly from protoconch to first whorl of teleoconch. Teleoconch whorls convex with deeply impressed suture; 3 spiral cords per whorl, interspaces about 3 times cord width; last whorl with spiral 4 level with top of aperture. Spirals crossed by axial ribs of about same strength, forming beads at intersections; about 18 ribs on last whorl. Base concave, smooth, with a weak spiral level with middle of aperture. Outer lip broken, inner lip calloused. Anterior canal narrow, shallow. Shell glossy, fawn in colour. Size: Holotype 2.35 mm in length. Distribution: Holotype from The Spit, Middle Harbour, Sydney. Additional material (3 lots): Chinamans Beach, Middle Harbour; dredged 3.5-7.5 m off Chinamans Beach; Fingal Bay, Port Stephens. Habitat: Specimens are from beach washup and shallow subtidal. Comparison: The sculpture of the protoconch allied with the nipple-like appearance of the protoconch distinguishes this species. Figs. 1, 2: The Spit, Middle Harbour, Sydney (C.102755 HOLOTYPE) |
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