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Zonaria petitiana

Zonaria petitiana is a species of sea snail, a cowry, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Cypraeidae, the cowries.

Synonyms:
  • Zonaria petitiana senegalensis <small>F. A. Schilder, 1928</small>: synonym of Zonaria pyrum insularum <small>F. A. Schilder, 1928</small>

Taxonomy

Some authors consider Z. petitiana a subspecies of Zonaria pyrum, e.g. Lorenz and Hubert, 2000, although Lorenz 2002 considers it a valid species.

Description

The length of the shell varies between 17&nbsp;mm and 38&nbsp;mm.

(Original description in Latin) The shell exhibits an ovate-pyriform shape, characterized by a somewhat turgid and thickened form. It possesses a glossy surface and tapers towards both extremities, culminating in a slight beak. The upper surface displays a chestnut-brown coloration, irregularly suffused with large, rounded white spots. The sides and extremities exhibit a broad flesh-colored hue. The lower surface appears flatter, displaying a flesh-colored tone. The columellar margin is adorned with 16 white teeth, while the external margin features 18. The spire is immersed and inconspicuous, with a slight concavity. The aperture is narrow, slightly sinuous, and exhibits a bluish-white coloration internally.

Distribution

This marine species occurs off Senegal and Gabon

References

  • Lorenz F. (2002) New worldwide cowries. Descriptions of new taxa and revisions of selected groups of living Cypraeidae (Mollusca: Gastropoda). Schriften zur Malakozoologie aus dem Haus der Natur-Cismar 20: 1–292, pls 1-40.
  • Lorenz, F. (2017). Cowries. A guide to the gastropod family Cypraeidae. Volume 1, Biology and systematics. Harxheim: ConchBooks. 644 pp.

External links