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LAEVIDENTALIIDAE |
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Laevidentalium erectum (G.B. Sowerby II, 1860) Description: Shape slender, weakly to moderately curved. Weight moderate. Aperture diameter up to 3.4 mm. Apex with short slit. Sculpture shell smooth, glossy, no longitudinal ribs. Transverse sculpture irregular growth lines. Aperture circular. Colour translucent white when alive, becoming opaque with age. Size: Up to 55 mm in length. Distribution: Global distribution unknown. In Australia, known from all coastal waters, including Tas. Habitat: Dredged in sand and gravel from 11 to 2569 m (Lamprell & Healy, 2008). Common. Comparison: This species is more slender than the other Laevidentalium species found in NSW. Synonymy: A previously recognised synonym is Dentalium pluteus Colman, 1958. Remarks: This is one of the most common species of tusk shells found in NSW waters, but it is mainly of deep water occurrence and rarely washes up on beaches.. Fig. 1: 2.3 km East of Malabar, NSW, in 66 m. (C. 173036) a. Lateral view b. Slit detail. |
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