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TRIPHORIDAE |
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Talophora subulata (Laseron, 1958) Description: Shell sinistral, variable in size, generally small. Protoconch planktotrophic, of 6-7 whorls, with 2 spiral threads and dense axial riblets. Teleoconch whorls with 4 beaded spiral cords and axial costae; spirals 1-3 start immediately after protoconch. Spirals 1-3 of similar size throughout; spiral 4 weak, slightly exposed on all whorls. Another 2 smooth spirals on base. Axial costae number 18-21 on penultimate whorl. Outer lip of aperture thin (broken in Fig. 1), anterior siphonal canal upturned, posterior canal a U-shaped notch. Colour pale yellowish brown, spirals 1 and 4 mid-brown between nodules. Size: Adult shells 3.9-9.5 mm in length. Distribution: Endemic to Australia: Off Endeavour Reef, near Cooktown, Qld, and Sydney, NSW. Rare; only three lots known. Habitat: Two lots are from depth of 9-14 and 37 m, while the third lot is from beach washup. Comparison: The maculate colouration on spirals 1 and 4 identifies this species. Remarks: There is considerable variation in width of the shell among the specimens available. The specimens figured show the extremes. Fig. 1: Off Endeavour Reef, off Cooktown, Qld in 37 m (C.103072 HOLOTYPE) (Photo Australian Museum) Fig. 2: Little Coogee Bay, NSW (C.116217) |
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