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MATHILDIDAE |
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Mathilda decorata Hedley, 1903 Description: Shell elongate, relatively thin shelled. Protoconch of 2½ whorls, smooth, axis of coiling inclined at 100–105° to teleoconch. Teleoconch whorls very convex, suture distinct. Spire whorls sculptured with 4 spiral cords, with secondary intermediate cords developing from about 5th whorl; fine, dense irregularly spaced axial riblets cross spirals, forming beads at intersections, becoming stronger with growth. Last whorl with 4–9 thin spirals on base. Aperture roughly circular, outer lip thin, inner lip reflected over base. Umbilicus closed or open as narrow chink. Shell white, covered with thin, pale brown periostracum. Size: Up to 25 mm in length. Distribution: "Apparently widely distributed in at least the southwestern Pacific Ocean" (Bieler, 1995). The Australian Museum holds specimens from Cape Moreton, Qld, southwards and around southern Australia to Cape Wiles, SA, including Tasmania. Habitat: From New Caledonia region, taken in 250–610 m (Bieler, 1995). For Australian specimens in the Australian Museum collection, 66–549 m. Common. Synonymy: Previously recognised synonyms are Mathildona euglypta Iredale, 1929 and Opimilda decorata auporia Dell, 1956. Remarks: This species was described in detail and extensively figured by Bieler (1995). Figs. 1, 2: Ca. 30 km off Little Bay, Malabar, NSW (C.146853). |
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