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PROPEAMUSSIIDAE |
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Parvamussium maorium Dell, 1956 Description: Shell lightweight, translucent, left valve much larger than right valve (Fig. 2). Shape nearly circular plus auricles; auricles unequal. Valves weakly inflated. Exterior of left valve with weak radial riblets; central part smooth; ventral part with commarginal lamellae. Right valve without radial riblets, but with commarginal lamellae. Interior white, with 10-11 strong, widely spaced radial ribs. Shell colour white. Size: Up to 14 mm high. Distribution: Australia and New Zealand. In Australia, from off Newcastle, NSW, southwards to Tasman Island, Tas; also Lord Howe Rise. Habitat: Subtidal. Live specimens from 420-720 m. Rare in NSW. Comparison: This species differs from P. thetidis by being a little larger, with the left valve having weak radial ribs and commarginal lamellae towards the ventral margin. Fig. 1: Off Cape Naturaliste, Tas, 399 m (C.165528) Gold plated for SEM photography. Fig. 2: Off Kiama, NSW, 450-500 m (C.165525) Joined pair, right valve uppermost.
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