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3991-1.JPG (93548 bytes)

Vanikoro sigaretiformis (Potiez & Michaud, 1838)

Description: Shell moderately light in weight, spire elevated. Protoconch, elevated, with pustules in spiral rows. Teleoconch with strong, oblique axial ribs for first 2 whorls, about 25 ribs in total. Strong spiral cords, about 5, develop on second whorl, forming beads at intersections with axial ribs. Axial ribs weaken after 2 ½ whorls, progressively becoming weaker and irregularly spaced; spiral cords continue as threads, often with weaker threads between. Aperture wide; outer lip semicircular, smooth; inner lip of aperture smooth. Umbilicus widely open. Colour white. Periostracum thin, brown.

Size: Up to 10 mm in length.

Distribution: Available specimens from Caloundra, Queensland, around southern Australia to south-western WA. Moderately common.

Habitat: Presumable shallow subtidal, as most specimens available are empty beach shells.

Comparison: See V. cancellata.

Synonymy: The name Vanikoro sigaretiformis (Potiez & Michaud) is used for consistency with earlier authors, but there is not strong evidence that this is the correct name.

Remarks: Very worn specimens of this species have a spire pattern that resembles V. cancellata, but may be separated by the more open umbilicus. The single live taken specimen seen has a thin, brown periostracum.

Fig. 1: 3983-1 Port Jackson, NSW (C. 211406)

Fig. 2: 3984-1 Same specimen as Fig. 1

Fig. 3: 3991-1 Detail of spire. NW of Cape Jervis, SA. Protoconch broken.  (C.211502) (Photo Sue Lindsay, Australian Museum)

 


Copyright Des Beechey 2007