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Distorsio reticulata (Linnaeus, 1758)

Description: Shell distorted, with varices every five-eights of a whorl. Axial sculpture of fine threads, about 18 on penultimate whorl; spiral sculpture of primary ribs, about 10 on body whorl, with finer threads between first three; six additional ribs on siphonal canal. Beads at intersection of spiral and axial sculpture. Outer lip expanded with 9-11 lirae on ventral surface. Columella with 13-18 lirae. Anal canal well defined, edged by strong lirae on parietal wall. Anterior canal short to long, upturned. Parietal shield thin, underlying sculpture showing through. Colour fawn.

Size: Up to 94 mm in length, usually less than 75 mm.

Distribution: Indo-West Pacific; in Australia, Shark Bay, WA, to Broken Bay, NSW, plus subfossil shells dredged from Sydney Harbour.

Habitat: Subtidal, 30-150 m. Moderately common.

Synonym: Distorsio francesae Iredale, 1931 was applied to one small, squat specimen, probably a subfossil, dredged from Sydney Harbour.

Figs. 1,2: Off Half Moon Reef, Swains Reefs, Queensland, in 220 m (C.300006)

 

Copyright Des Beechey 2004