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4049-1.JPG (87491 bytes)

 

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4047-1.JPG (167847 bytes)

Xenophora pallidula (Reeve, 1842)

Description: Shell of large size and moderate elevation for the family; whorls convex. Whorl surface very rough, with coarse shells and rock fragments attached to all whorls, covering more than 50% of surface. Base nearly flat, with narrow flange on periphery of last whorl. Umbilicus open, small but deep. Colour fawn, columella and lip callus white. Operculum corneous.

Size: Up to 59 mm high, 88 mm wide (shell only, excluding appendages).

Distribution: Indo-West Pacific; in eastern Australia, as far south as Sydney.

Habitat: Subtidal, mostly on the continental slope, 50-1050 m. Uncommon in NSW.

Comparison: See X. peroniana.

Remarks: This species attaches large shells, often bivalves on early whorls and elongate shells in a radial fashion on the last whorl.

Figs. 1,2,3: 4049-1 4048-1 4047-3 ENE of Clarence River, NSW, in 457 m (C.101612)

 

Copyright Des Beechey 2007