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CARDIIDAE |
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Pratulum thetidis (Hedley, 1902) Description: Shape length slightly greater than height, nearly circular, truncated posteriorly, umbo on midline. Lunule and escutcheon absent. Exterior with about 80 dense radial riblets with interstices about one-third as wide; riblets on posterior third wider and stronger with erect short spines. Interior white, smooth apart from well-defined muscle scars; pallial line not evident; margin strongly denticulate. Hinge as for family. Ligament external, short. Shell with background colour white or yellow or pink, interrupted with pink radial rays; rays of shells from shallow water broader and more vivid; in contrast shells from EW3`deep water are much paler and rays are consistently absent. Size: Up to 19 mm in length. Distribution: Cape Moreton, Qld, southwards and around southern Australia, to off Shark Bay, WA, including Tas. Habitat: Recorded from 10-300 m deep; occasionally found in beach washup. Comparison: This species stands out because of its relatively small size, dense radial riblets and colouration of pink radial rays when fresh.
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