< Previous species


TRIPHORIDAE


Next species >


6876-1.jpg (92785 bytes)

 

6885-1.jpg (102423 bytes)

Talophora subulata (Laseron, 1958)

Description: Shell sinistral, variable in size, generally small. Protoconch planktotrophic, of 6-7 whorls, with 2 spiral threads and dense axial riblets. Teleoconch whorls with 4 beaded spiral cords and axial costae; spirals 1-3  start immediately after protoconch. Spirals 1-3 of similar size throughout; spiral 4 weak, slightly exposed on all whorls. Another 2 smooth spirals on base. Axial costae number 18-21 on penultimate whorl. Outer lip of aperture thin (broken in Fig. 1), anterior siphonal canal upturned, posterior canal a U-shaped notch. Colour pale yellowish brown, spirals 1 and 4 mid-brown between nodules.

Size: Adult shells 3.9-9.5 mm in length.

Distribution: Endemic to Australia: Off Endeavour Reef, near Cooktown, Qld, and Sydney, NSW. Rare; only three lots known.

Habitat: Two lots are from depth of 9-14 and 37 m, while the third lot is from beach washup.

Comparison: The maculate colouration on spirals 1 and 4 identifies this species.

Remarks: There is considerable variation in width of the shell among the specimens available. The specimens figured show the extremes.

Fig. 1: Off Endeavour Reef, off Cooktown, Qld in 37 m (C.103072  HOLOTYPE) (Photo Australian Museum)

Fig. 2: Little Coogee Bay, NSW (C.116217)

 

Copyright Des Beechey 2015