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Vita Malacologica 6: 35-49 16 December 2008
VITA MALACOLOGICA, 6: 35
records". Although the majority of the published records are
likely to be correct, it is difficult to judge their accuracy
because the relevant material was not illustrated. However, it
can be concluded that, based on current knowledge, a little
less than 100 species of cones are known from waters around
the Fiji Islands, all intertidal to subtidal. In addition, several
species of cones that have been recorded from Fiji as
Pleistocene fossils may not have been recorded in the Recent
fauna. Ladd (1982) and Seeto (1998) had summarized what
was then known, and that has been largely superseded by
Kohn & Arua (1999a, b), who described an early Pleistocene
molluscan assemblage comprising 23 identified Conus
species.
The present paper reports on the species of Conus collect-
ed during two expeditions conducted in Fiji waters on board
the research vessel ‘Alis’ by Institut de Recherche pour le
Développement (IRD) and Muséum National d'Histoire
Naturelle, Paris (MNHN). MUSORSTOM 10, in August
1998, surveyed Bligh Water, a deep basin between the two
main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu (Richer de Forges
et al., 2000b); the following year, BORDAU 1, in March
1999, surveyed the eastern part of the archipelago, from
Somo-somo Strait, between Vanua Levu and Taveuni, to the
Lau Group (Richer de Forges et al., 2000a). Samples were
taken to depths of 1300 m, although cones were taken not
deeper than 680 m. In addition, we report on the species taken
during the SUVA 2 and SUVA 4 expeditions, also on board
research vessel ‘Alis’, to survey ecological parameters of the
coral reef lagoon of southern Viti Levu, some of which repre-
sent new records or confirm doubtful records. Unless other-
wise stated, the material is deposited in MNHN. The species
are discussed mainly in alphabetical order. We restrict refer-
ences to Cernohorsky (1964) and Seeto (1998), and refer to
Röckel et al. (1995) for glossary, references to the original
decriptions, and other relevant literature.
ABSTRACT
A little less than 100 species of cones are known in the lit-
erature from waters around the Fiji islands, all intertidal to
subtidal. We report here on the species taken by recent off-
shore and deep-water benthic sampling expeditions. Samples
were taken to depths of 1300 m, although cones were taken
not deeper than 680 m. Leaving aside two taxa of uncertain
identity, the material contains 22 species from depths deeper
than 100 m, all of which are new records for Fiji, including
four new species (Conus cakobaui spec. nov., alive in 414-
567 m; C. joliveti spec. nov., alive in 150-353 m; C. fijisulca-
tus spec. nov., alive in 150-188 m; and C. gigasulcatus spec.
nov., alive in 290-300 m). A further 19 species are from
depths shallower than 100 m, and these include six new
records for Fiji, including two new species (C. fijiensis spec.
nov., alive in 80-120 m; and C. sutanorcum spec. nov., alive
in 32-50 m).
INTRODUCTION
The Recent cones of Fiji are essentially known to us from
two publications. Walter Cernohorsky, a long time resident of
Viti Levu, recorded some 80 species, most of them new or
verified records, with 10 records originating from the litera-
ture only (Cernohorsky, 1964). Subsequently, several addi-
tions to the inventory of Fiji cones and new records were pub-
lished in the Annual Magazine of the Fiji Shell Club (Lewis,
1973; Gilchrist, 1987; Parkinson, 1987), Hawaiian Shell
News (Lewis, 1980), and in locally circulated technical
reports (Koven, 1997). All these records were compiled, criti-
cally evaluated and updated by Johnson Seeto, a resident of
Fiji and lecturer at the University of the South Pacific in
Suva. Seeto (1998) listed 99 species which he treated as "con-
firmed" for Fiji, and another 17 as "possible and/or unlikely
New records and new species of cones from deeper water
off Fiji (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Conidae)
R.G. MOOLENBEEK
Zoölogisch Museum Amsterdam, Mauritskade 57, NL-1092 AD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
e-mail: r.g.moolenbeek@uva.nl
D. RÖCKEL
Neckaranlage 6, 69412 Eberbach, Germany
e-mail: d.roeckel@t-online.de
P. BOUCHET
Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, 55 Rue de Buffon, F-75005 Paris, France
e-mail: pbouchet@mnhn.fr
Key words: Neogastropoda, Conidae, Pacific Ocean, Fiji Islands, systematics, new records, new species
Moolenbeek, R.G., D. Röckel & P. Bouchet - Conidae from Fiji
VITA MALACOLOGICA, 6: 36
ABBREVIATIONS
CP chalut à perche (trawl)
DR drague à roche (rock dredge)
DW drague Warén (Warén dredge)
Stn station
lv live collected specimen(s)
dd dead collected specimen(s)
spm specimen(s), doubtful if collected alive or dead
sp species
pnw (s) post nuclear whorl(s)
IRD Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Paris
and Nouméa
MNHN Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris,
France
ZMA Zoölogisch Museum Amsterdam, The Netherlands
SYSTEMATICS
CONIDAE Fleming, 1822
Conus Linnaeus, 1758
Conus acutangulus Lamarck, 1810
Cernohorsky, 1964: 66, pl. 17 fig. 54; Seeto, 1998: 4; Kohn &
Arua, 1999b: 8.
Material examined. — Bligh Water: MUSORSTOM 10: Stn
CP1323, 17°16.1’S, 177°45.7’E, 143-173 m, 5 dd (1 ZMA).
Viti Levu: SUVA 2: Stn DW38, 17°56.1’S, 177°14.4’E, 16
m, 2 dd; Stn DW44, 17°51.7'S, 177°13.0'E, 33 m, 1 dd; Stn
CP45, 17°51.6’S, 177°13.3’E, 35 m, 1 dd; Stn CP48,
17°56.2’S, 177°14.3’E, 16 m, 2 lv, 1 dd; Stn BS49,
17°45.3’S, 177°11.9’E, 23 m, 1 lv; Stn DW74, 17°49.1'S,
177°12.2'E, 38 m, 1 lv.
SUVA 4: Stn DW04, 18°12'S, 178°35'E, 100-122 m, 2 dd;
Stn DW10, 18°20.8'S, 178°07.5'E, 39-43 m, 1 dd; Stn CP18,
18°25.5’S, 178°05.7’E, 44-45m, 1 dd; Stn CP19, 18°26.3’S,
178°04.0’E, 48-50 m, 48-50 m, 1 lv; Stn CP20, 18°26.4’S,
178°02.4’E, 50-51 m, 1 dd; Stn CP30, 18°16.9’S, 178°04.3’E,
32 m, 2 lv, 6 dd.
Remarks. — According to Cernohorsky (1964), this is a
rare species in depths ranging from 4 to 30 m; however, it
here appears to be rather common in shallow offshore dredg-
ings. The empty shells from deeper water were probably
washed downslope.
Conus ammiralis Linnaeus, 1758
Cernohorsky, 1964: 66, pl. 13 fig. 24; Seeto, 1998: 4.
Material examined. — Vanua Levu: BORDAU 1: Stn
CP1394, 16°45’S, 179°59’E, 416 m, 4 dd; Stn DW1455,
16°47’S, 179°58’E, 300-450 m, 1 dd.
South of Viti Levu: SUVA 4: Stn DW08, 18°22.3'S,
178°02.4'E, 28-30 m, 1 lv.
Conus articulatus Sowerby III, 1873
Pl. 1 fig. 1
Material examined. — Viti Levu: MUSORSTOM 10: Stn
DW1384, 18°18.5’S, 178°05.8’E, 260-305 m, 1 dd. SUVA 2:
Stn BS11, 18°11.8’S, 178°28.1’E, 213 m, 1 dd.
Vanua Levu: BORDAU 1: Stn CP1394, 16°45’S, 179°59’E,
416 m, 13 dd (1 ZMA).
Remarks. — First record from this area. This is usually a
sublittoral species and the empty shells have most probably
been washed downslope.
Conus baileyi Röckel & Da Motta, 1979
Pl. 1 fig. 2
Material examined. — Viti Levu: MUSORSTOM 10: Stn
CP1351, 17°31.1’S, 178°40.0’E, 292-311 m, 1 dd.
Lau Group: BORDAU 1: Stn CP1506, 18°09’S, 178°37’W,
294-300 m, 1 dd; Stn CP1507, 18°09’S, 178°38’W, 294-300
m, 1 lv, 1 dd; Stn DW1440, 17°11’S, 178°43’W, 190-308 m,
1 lv.
Remarks. — First record from this area. A deep water
species known from northern Queensland, the Solomon
Islands, New Caledonia and the Pilippines.
Conus boholensis Petuch, 1979
Pl. 1 fig. 3
Material examined. — Bligh Water: MUSORSTOM 10: Stn
CP1318, 17°15.6’S, 178°03.4’E, 330-335 m, 1 lv; Stn
CP1325, 17°16.4’S, 177°49.8’E, 282-322 m, 7 lv; Stn
CP1325, 17°16.4’S, 177°49.8’E, 282-322 m, 7 lv (2 ZMA);
Stn CP1326, 17°14.3’S, 177°49.7’E, 265-300 m, 3 lv (1
ZMA); Stn CP1327, 17°13.3’S, 177°51.6’E, 370-389 m, 9 lv;
Stn CP1360, 17°59.6’S, 178°48.2’E, 402-444 m, 1 lv.
Viti Levu: MUSORSTOM 10: Stn CP1348, 17°30.3’S,
178°39.6’E, 353-390 m, 7 lv (2 ZMA), 1 dd; Stn CP1368,
18°10.9’S, 178°23.5’E, 380-469 m, 1 dd.
Vanua Levu: BORDAU 1: Stn DW 1421, 17°08’S, 178°59’E,
403-406 m, 1 lv, 1 dd; Stn CP1429, 17°17’S, 179°01’E, 400-
410 m, 1 lv; Stn CP1394, 16°45’S, 179°59’E, 416 m, 1 dd.
Lau Group: BORDAU 1: Stn DW1499, 18°40’S, 178°27’W,
389-400 m, 1 lv, 1 dd; Stn CP1503, 18°12’S, 178°35’W, 430
m, 1 lv; Stn CP1504, 18°13’S, 178°34’W, 427-440 m, 1 lv.
Remarks. — First record from this area. The shells from
Viti Levu are relatively small (the largest is 27 mm), with
rather strong nodules on the spirals on the body whorl.
Moolenbeek, R.G., D. Röckel & P. Bouchet - Conidae from Fiji
Conus boucheti Richard, 1983
Pl. 1 fig. 4
Material examined. — Lau Group: BORDAU 1: Stn
DW1477, 20°58’S, 178°45’W, 390-405 m, 1 lv.
Remarks. — First record from this area. Otherwise known
from the Coral Sea to Vanuatu (Röckel, Richard &
Moolenbeek, 1995).
Conus cakobaui spec. nov.
Pl. 1 figs 5-7, pl. 4 fig. 39
Holotype. — MNHN 21030 (lv), Fiji, South of Vanua Levu,
Somo-somo Strait, 16°45’S, 179°59.5’E, 426-487 m [BOR-
DAU 1, Stn DW1393] (Pl. 1 figs 5a-b).
Paratypes. — Vanua Levu: BORDAU 1: 2 paratypes MNHN
21031, Stn DW1393, 16°45’S, 179°59.5’E, 426-487 m, 1 lv,
1 dd (type locality); 2 paratypes MNHN 21032, Stn CP1394,
16°45’S, 179°59’E, 416 m, dd; 1 paratype ZMA Moll.
4.01.036, Stn DW1451, 16°45’S, 179°59.5’E, 400-460 m, lv;
2 paratypes MNHN 21033Stn DW1453, 16°45’S, 179°59’E,
414-510 m, lv.
Description holotype. — Shell small, thin and narrowly
conical. Protoconch smooth, paucispiral, of 1.5 convex
whorls, diameter 1025 µm. Teleoconch of 7.5 whorls with
rather deep suture, spire rather high, profile nearly flat, slight-
ly stepped adapically, shoulder angulate. First 3 teleoconch
whorls with fine tubercles, gradually disappearing on subse-
quent whorls. Last whorl with 4 fine spiral grooves on periph-
ery and about 15 on the base, no axial sculpture other than
incremental lines.
Colour: Protoconch transparent white. First teleoconch
whorls creamy white with a brown spiral band on the periph-
ery, extending over the row of tubercles or just adapically of
it. On later whorls, this brown band is interrupted by white
areas. Last whorl white with an irregular brown pattern. Tip
of base white. Periostracum thin light brown translucent.
Dimensions: height 18.9 mm, width 8.4 mm.
Distribution. — Known from Fiji and Tonga.
Derivatio nominis. — Named after Seru Epenisa
Cakobau, warlord of the ‘Cannibal Islands’; in 1871, he
brought for the first time under his rule what today constitutes
the Fiji Islands.
Remarks. — There is some variation in the material with
regard to the colour of the last whorl. In some specimens the
brown markings form a zigzag pattern, in others they tend to
form axial stripes. The largest specimen (height 24.9 mm,
width 10.3 mm) is more slender than the holotype.
Conus cakobaui spec. nov. is part of a species group in
the so-called “Profundiconus”-complex that also includes C.
vaubani Röckel & Moolenbeek, 1995 from the New
Caledonia region, and Conus sp. 4 from Wallis and Futuna
islands (Moolenbeek & Röckel 1996). All are from deep
water and all have paucispiral protoconchs indicating non-
planktotrophic larval development. It is a matter of personnal
appreciation to decide whether these allopatric populations
from New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga, and Wallis and Futuna
should be treated as geographical subspecies of one species or
as separate species. Due to the absence of planktotrophic lar-
vae, we hypothesize that the distinctly recognizable morpho-
logical entities correspond to separate gene pools, and we
treat them as full species.
Conus cakobaui spec. nov. differs from C. vaubani in
having a slightly larger and wider protoconch, and in its
colour pattern where the tubercles on the first three teleo-
conch whorls are always situated in a brown band, somewhat
smaller and more in number (about 30%). In colour pattern,
C. cakobaui spec. nov. also ressembles C. darkini Röckel &
Richard, 1993, which differs by its larger adult size (50-87
mm) and its protoconch of about 3.5 whorls, indicating a
planktotrophic larval development.
Material examined. — Bligh Water: MUSORSTOM 10: Stn
CP1330, 17°09.5’S, 177°56.3’E, 567-699 m, 1 lv.
TONGA ISLAND: BORDAU 2, Stn DW 1538, 21°39’S,
175°19’W, 471-508 m, 1 dd.
Conus capitanellus Fulton, 1938
Pl. 1 fig. 8
Material examined. — Viti Levu: MUSORSTOM 10: Stn
CP1377, 18°18.4’S, 178°02.5’E, 233-248 m, 1 lv.
Vanua Levu: BORDAU 1, Stn CP1394, 16°45’S, 179°59’E,
416 m, 1 dd.
Remarks. — First record from this area. Röckel et al.
(1995) recorded this species from around New Caledonia.
Conus capitaneus Linnaeus, 1758
Cernohorsky, 1964: 69, pl. 14 fig. 30; Seeto 1998: 17.
Material examined. — Viti Levu: SUVA 2: Stn DW74,
17°49.1’S, 177°12.2’E, 38 m, 1 lv.
Remarks. — A common littoral species.
Conus corallinus Kiener, 1845
Pl. 1 fig. 9
Material examined. — Viti Levu: SUVA 4: Stn DW04,
18°12'S, 178°35'E, 100-122 m, 1 dd.
Remarks. — First record from this area.
VITA MALACOLOGICA, 6: 37
Moolenbeek, R.G., D. Röckel & P. Bouchet - Conidae from Fiji
VITA MALACOLOGICA, 6: 38
Conus dayriti Röckel & Da Motta, 1983
Pl. 1 fig. 10
Material examined. — Vanua Levu: BORDAU 1: Stn
CP1394, 16°45’S, 179°59’E, 416 m, 6 dd (1 ZMA).
Remarks. — First record from this area. Röckel et
al.(1995) recorded this species from around New Caledonia
and the Philippines.
Conus eugrammatus Bartsch & Rehder, 1943
Remarks. — Mentioned by Kohn & Arua (1999a) as the
most common species in an early Pleistocene assemblage
from Viti Levu. As there is no modern record, their identifica-
tion needs confirmation.
Conus excelsus Sowerby III, 1908
Pl. 1 fig. 11
Material examined. — Viti Levu: MUSORSTOM 10: Stn
CP1387, 18°18.5’S, 178°04.7’E, 229-370 m, 2 dd.
Remarks. — First record from this area. A specimen with
a height of 98 mm is relatively large for this species.
Conus exiguus Lamarck, 1810
Pl. 2 fig. 12
Material examined. — Viti Levu: MUSORSTOM 10: Stn
CP1371, 18°12.4’S, 178°32.8’E, 135-151 m, 1 dd.
Remarks. — First record from this area. The single empty
shell was probably washed downslope; in general it lives in
depths ranging from 0.5 to 55 m. Conus exiguus was thought
to be endemic around New Caledonia (Estival, 1981), but
recent finds (Moolenbeek, unpublished data) indicate that it
has a larger distribution ranging from the Moluccas to West-
ern Samoa.
Conus fijiensis spec. nov.
Pl. 2 figs 13-14, pl. 4 fig. 40
Holotype. — MNHN 21034 (lv), Fiji, South-East of Viti
Levu, 17°48.5’S, 178°46.7’E, 80-120 m [MUSORSTOM 10
Stn CP1357-1358] (Pl. 2 figs 13a-b).
Paratypes. — 9 paratypes (3 lv, 6 dd) MNHN 21035; 4
paratypes (1 lv, 3 dd) ZMA Moll. 4.01.009, all from the type
locality.
Description holotype. — Shell of medium to small size
for the genus, thin, narrowly conical, slightly pyriform, spire
slightly concave with slightly stepped whorls. Protoconch
blunt, paucispiral, of nearly 2 smooth, transparent whorls.
Teleoconch of 7.7 whorls with nodular shoulder, first whorl
with 12 sharp nodules, nodules gradually fading out in
subadult and adult whorls. Shoulder ramp with 3 or 4 fine spi-
ral threads and numerous fine axial wrinkles. Last whorl (with
one large repaired scar) with 32 grooves, interrupted by broad
incremental scars, giving an overall impression of spirally
punctuated grooves, interspaces between grooves smooth and
flat. Colour of last whorl white with two ill-defined brown
bands, an irregular pattern of axially elongated brown blotch-
es, and one fine, semicontinuous, brown line in the center of
many groove interspaces; spire white with regular, radiating
brown patches, 5 on last whorl, a little darker near shoulder.
Aperture white, with outer pattern visible by transparence.
Dimensions: Height 17.8 mm, width 6.8 mm.
Distribution. — Known only from Fiji and Tonga.
Derivatio nominis. — Although the distribution of this
species is not restricted to Fiji, the specific epithet refers to its
occurrence in the island group.
Remarks. — The colour pattern shows little variation
among the material examined. The largest specimen is 21.1
mm high and 8.4 mm wide.
Initially we identified this species as C. saecularis Mel-
vill, 1898, a species occuring from the Persian Gulf to Fiji
(see below). However, that species differs in having a glossy,
pointed multispiral protoconch, whereas C. fijiensis spec. nov.
has a paucispiral blunt protoconch. Also the larger C.
comatosa Pilsbry, 1904 shows resemblance but has a multi-
spiral protoconch and a more straight to convex last whorl.
Seeto (1998) recorded C. saecularis from off Suva Barrier
Reef in tangle nets. Unfortunately, he neither described nor
figured his material, so this identification remains question-
able. Also the specimens figured as C. insculptus by Cerno-
horsky (1964, fig. 55) and by Kohn & Arua (1999a, fig. 65)
are C. saecularis or C. fijiensis spec. nov. The true C. saecu-
laris occurs in Fiji but usually in more shallow water (see
page 42).
Other material examined. — Bligh Water: MUSORSTOM
10: Stn CP1334, 16°51.4’S, 178°13.9’E, 251-257 m, 1 dd; Stn
CP1371, 18°12.4’S, 178°32.8’E, 135-151 m, 1 dd.
Viti Levu: MUSORSTOM 10: Stn DW1376, 18°18.7’S,
178°09.1’E, 497-504 m, 1 dd.
TONGA ISLAND, Vava’u Group: BORDAU 2: Stn
DW1581, 18°41’S, 174°02’W, 76-85 m, 8 dd.
Conus fijisulcatus spec. nov.
See Conus sulcatus complex
Conus floridulus A. Adams & Reeve, 1848
Seeto, 1998: 11; Kohn & Arua, 1999b: 8.
Moolenbeek, R.G., D. Röckel & P. Bouchet - Conidae from Fiji
VITA MALACOLOGICA, 6: 39
Material examined. — Vanua Levu: BORDAU 1: Stn
CP1394, 16°45’S, 179°59’E, 416 m, 4 dd.
Viti Levu: SUVA 2: Stn DW44, 17°51.7’S, 177°13.0’E, 33
m, 1 lv, 1 dd. SUVA 4: Stn DW04, 18°12'S, 178°35'E, 100-
122 m, 2 dd.
Remarks. — Often confused with, or considered a syn-
onym of, C. muriculatus Sowerby I, 1833 (= C. sugillatus
Reeve, 1844), but we follow Röckel et al. (1995) in treating
them as different species. The empty shells from deep water
were certainly washed down slope.
Conus geographus Linnaeus, 1758
Seeto, 1998: 12.
Material examined. — Vanua Levu: BORDAU 1: Stn
DW1393, 16°45’S, 179°59’E, 426-487 m, 1 dd.
Remarks. — The large fragment of this intertidal to shal-
low subtidal species was certainly carried down slope.
Conus gigasulcatus spec. nov.
See Conus sulcatus complex
Conus ichinoseanus (Kuroda, 1956)
Pl. 2 fig. 15
Material examined. — Viti Levu: BORDAU 1: Stn CP1504,
18°13’S, 178°34’E, 427-440 m, 1 lv; Stn CP1505, 18°12’S,
178°37’W, 420-450 m, 2 lv (1 ZMA).
Lau Group: BORDAU 1: Stn DW1496, 18°43’S, 178°23’W,
392-407 m, 1 lv.
Remarks. — First record from this area. According to
Röckel et al. (1995) this species has a very disjunct distribu-
tion pattern in the Indo-Pacific; the nearest records are from
around New Caledonia.
The specific epithet ichinoseana was originally combined
with the feminine genus Asprella; as an adjective, it must be
grammatically combined with Conus in its masculine form,
ichinoseanus.
Conus insculptus Kiener, 1845
Cernohorsky, 1964: 76, pl. 17 fig. 55a; Seeto, 1998: 13; Kohn
& Arua, 1999b: 8.
Material examined. — Bligh Water: MUSORSTOM 10: Stn
CP1323, 17°16.1’S, 177°45.7’E, 143-173 m, 1 dd.
Remarks. — The specimens illustrated by Cernohorsky
(1964, pl. 17 fig. 55) are not C. insculptus, but more probably
represent C. fijiensis spec. nov. or C. saecularis. The identifi-
cation of fossil material (Seeto, 1998) needs verification.
Conus joliveti spec. nov.
Pl. 2 figs 16-17, pl. 4 fig. 41
Holotype. — MNHN 21036 (lv), Fiji, Bligh Water,
17°16.8’S, 177°53.6’E, 290-300 m [MUSORSTOM 10 Stn
CP1320] (Pl. 2 figs 16a-b).
Paratypes. — 6 paratypes (dd) MNHN 21037, 2 paratypes
(1 lv, 1 dd) ZMA Moll. 4.01.008, all from the type locality.
Description holotype. — Shell medium-sized for the
genus, thin, shape narrowly conical, slightly pyriform.
Protoconch multispiral, consisting of nearly 3 glossy, convex
whorls; protoconch I broken and apex of protoconch sealed;
protoconch whorls smooth except for 5 curved axial ribs just
before the protoconch/teleoconch transition. Teleoconch of 8
whorls, spire slightly concave, suture deep, impressed. Spire
whorls with strongly tubercular keel situated at periphery on
first three whorls, then on subsequent whorls gradually less
pronounced and situated lower on the whorl, with a propor-
tionally broader ramp; 18 sharp tubercles on first teleoconch
whorl, 22 lower, and spirally elongated on last whorl.
Shoulder ramp occupied by finely beaded spiral cords, a sin-
gle one on first teleoconch whorl, gradually increasing in
number on subsequent whorls, 5 on last whorl, interspaces
narrower than cords. Last whorl with 33 smooth, convex spi-
ral cords, interspaces slightly narrower than, to as broad as,
cords. Strong incremental riblets, opisthocline and continuous
on shoulder, forming beads where they cross over spiral
cords, prosocline and discontinuous, restricted to grooves
between cords on last whorl. Colour of the protoconch
creamy semitransparent. Overall teleoconch colour creamy
white with 3 rather distincly set off, brown, broad spiral
bands, and less well defined, narrow, axial stripes alternating-
ly brown and white. Spire creamy white with irregular axial
brown patches extending from suture to shoulder, shoulder
with spirally arranged white and brown streaks that do not
correspond regularly with the tubercles.
Dimensions: Height 29.1 mm, width 10.1 mm.
Distribution. — Known from two disjunct areas, Fiji and
Indonesia.
Derivatio nominis. — The specific epithet honours
Michel Jolivet, Ambassador of France in Fiji at the time of
the Musorstom and Bordau expeditions, and a keen cone col-
lector, to acknowledge his interest in the deep-sea exploring
expeditions in Fiji and Tonga.
Remarks. — The material shows little variation in colour
or sculpture when fresh (long dead specimens have of course
altered colouration). Live collected specimens have a very
thin, light brown periostracum. The largest specimen is 38
mm and its shoulder is almost smooth on the last whorl.
Conus joliveti spec. nov. closely resembles C. orbignyi
Moolenbeek, R.G., D. Röckel & P. Bouchet - Conidae from Fiji
VITA MALACOLOGICA, 6: 40
and C. pseudorbignyi, which both live sympatrically with it in
Indonesia and Fiji. The bathymetrical ranges of C. joliveti
spec. nov. and C. orbignyi overlap, and the two species have
even been taken together at MUSORSTOM 10 Stn CP1355 in
302-310 m (1 dd C. joliveti spec. nov., 1 lv C. orbignyi). In
Fiji, C. pseudorbignyi occurs in more shallow water (alive in
143-144 m) than both C. joliveti and C. orbignyi. Conus
joliveti spec. nov. differs from both C. orbignyi and C.
pseudorbignyi by its finer, more numerous spiral cords on the
last whorl, and smaller adult size (C. pseudorbignyi reaches
up to 46 mm). Conus orbignyi further differs by being propor-
tionally broader, with a strongly tuberculated shoulder, also
on the last adult whorl, and C. pseudorbignyi further differs
by its shoulder being tuberculated on the first 3-5 whorls, and
smooth on subsequent whorls, and by its protoconch being
yellowish brown.
Other material examined. — Viti Levu: MUSORSTOM 10:
Stn CP1348, 17°30.3’S, 178°39.6’E, 353-390 m, 1 dd; Stn
CP1355, 17°49.5’S, 78°49.4’E, 302-310 m, 1 dd; Stn
CP1368, 18°10.9’S, 178°23.5’E, 380-469 m, 1 dd.
Vanua Levu: BORDAU 1: Stn CP1402, 16°38’S, 179°36’E,
260-279 m, 2 dd.
INDONESIA, Strait of Makassar: CORINDON: Stn CH267,
01°56’S, 119°17’E, 134-186 m, 2 lv (1 ZMA); Stn CH273,
01°57’S, 119°15’E, 220 m, 1 lv.
Conus kimioi (Habe, 1965)
Pl. 2 fig. 18
Material examined. — Vanua Levu: BORDAU 1: Stn
DW1450, 16°44’S, 179°58’E, 327-420 m, 1 dd; Stn CP 1394,
16°45’S, 179°59’E, 416 m, 1 dd.
Remarks. — First record from this area of this species so
far known from New Caledonia, the Philippines and southern
Japan (Röckel et al., 1995).
Conus mustelinus Hwass in Bruguière, 1792
Cernohorsky, 1964: 81-82, pl. 14 fig. 31; Seeto 1998: 17.
Material examined. — Viti Levu: SUVA 4: Stn DW08,
18°22.3’S, 178°02.4’E, 28-30 m, 1 lv.
Remarks. — One of the most common species in the
Marquesas Archipelago. This species lives from the littoral
until depths of about 100 m.
Conus nussatella Linnaeus, 1758
Seeto, 1998: 17-18.
Material examined. — Viti Levu: MUSORSTOM 10: Stn
CP1387, 18°18.5’S, 178°04.7’E, 229-370 m, 1 dd.
Remarks. — This worn specimen of a littoral species was
certainly washed down slope.
Conus ochroleucus Gmelin, 1791
Pl. 2 fig. 19
Röckel et al., 1995: 115-116, map 35 (as Conus ochroleucus
ssp. tmetus); Seeto, 1998: 18; Kohn & Arua, 1999b: 9.
Material examined. — Bligh Water: MUSORSTOM 10: Stn
CP1323, 17°16.1’S, 177°45.7’E, 143-173 m, 1 lv, 1 dd.
Viti Levu: MUSORSTOM 10: Stn CP 1366, 18°12.4’S,
178°33.1’E, 149-168 m, 1 lv, 2 dd (1 ZMA); Stn CP 1387,
18°18.5’S, 178°04.7’E, 229-370 m, 2 dd; Stn CP1390,
18°18.6’S, 178°05.1’E, 234-361 m, 1 dd. SUVA 4: Stn
DW04, 18°12'S, 178°35'E, 100-122 m, 1 dd.
Remarks. — Cernohorsky (1964: 92) discussed an uncon-
firmed record by Cotton (1945) and concluded that C.
ochroleucus does not occur in Fiji. However, Kohn & Arua
(1999a) recorded it from Pleistocene beds in Viti Levu.
According to Röckel et al. (1995) the Fijian population
belongs to the subspecies tmetus Tomlin, 1937 (a senior syn-
onym of C. pilkeyi Petuch, 1974).
Conus orbignyi Audouin, 1831
Pl. 2 fig. 20
Seeto, 1998: 29; Kohn & Arua, 1999a: 121; Kohn & Arua,
1999b: 9.
Material examined. — Viti Levu: MUSORSTOM 10: Stn
CP1355, 17°49.5’S, 178°49.4’E, 302-310 m, 1 lv; Stn
CP1365, 18°12.7’S, 178°32.4’E, 295-302 m, 1 dd; Stn CP
1374, 18°18.5’S, 178°05.9’E, 259-348 m, 2 dd; Stn DW1384,
18°18.5’S, 178°05.8’E, 260-305 m, 3dd; Stn CP1387,
18°18.5’S, 178°04.7’E, 229-370 m, 2 lv (1 ZMA), 4 dd; Stn
CP1389, 18°18.6’S, 178°04.7’E, 241-417 m, 1 lv, 3 dd; Stn
CP1390, 18°18.6’S, 178°05.1’E, 234-361 m, 3 lv (2 ZMA),4
dd.
Lau Group: BORDAU 1: Stn DW1464, 18°09’S, 178°38’W,
285-300 m, 2 lv; Stn DW1494, 18°55’S, 178°29’W, 240-319
m, 1 dd; Stn DW1498, 18°41’S, 178°28’W, 300-307 m, 3 lv;
Stn CP1506, 18°09’S, 178°37’W, 294-300 m, 1 lv; Stn
CP1507, 18°09’S, 178°38’W, 294-300 m, 1 lv.
Remarks. — First recent record from this area. Up to now
(Seeto, 1998; Kohn & Arua, 1999a, b) only fossils were
known.
Conus planorbis Von Born, 1778
Cernohorsky, 1964: 83, pl. 14 fig. 29; Seeto, 1998: 19.
Moolenbeek, R.G., D. Röckel & P. Bouchet - Conidae from Fiji
VITA MALACOLOGICA, 6: 41
PLATE 1
Fig. 1. Conus articulatus, Viti Levu, Stn CP1394, height 16.6 mm. Fig. 2. C. baileyi, Viti Levu, Stn DW1440, height 18.0 mm. Fig. 3. C.
boholensis, Viti Levu, Stn CP1348, height 24.6 mm. Fig. 4. C. boucheti, Lau Group, Stn DW1477, height 16.1 mm. Figs 5a-b. C. cakobaui spec.
nov., Vanua Levu, holotype Stn DW1393, ventral and dorsal view, height 19.0 mm. Fig. 6. C. cakobaui spec. nov., Bligh Water, paratype Stn
CP1330, height 25.1 mm. Fig. 7. C. cakobaui spec. nov., Vanua Levu, paratype Stn CP1393, height 9.6 mm. Fig. 8. C. capitanellus, Viti Levu,
Stn CP1377, height 29.7 mm. Fig. 9. C. corallinus, Viti Levu, Stn SUVA 4, height 20.2 mm. Fig. 10. C. dayriti, Viti Levu, Stn CP1394, height
18.9 mm. Fig. 11. C. excelsus, Viti Levu, Stn CP1387, height 95.6 mm.
Moolenbeek, R.G., D. Röckel & P. Bouchet - Conidae from Fiji
VITA MALACOLOGICA, 6: 42
Material examined. — Vitu Levu: SUVA 4: Stn DW 08,
18°22.3’S, 178°02.4’E, 28-30 m, 1 lv.
Remarks. — A common littoral species.
Conus plinthis Richard & Moolenbeek, 1988
Pl. 2 fig. 21
Material examined. — Lau Group: BORDAU 1: Stn
DW1472, 19°40’S, 178°10’E, 262-266 m, 1 dd.
Remarks. — Conus plinthis was so far known only from
New Caledonia and the Kermadec Islands. The present record
of a juvenile specimen significantly extends its known distrib-
ution.
Conus praecellens A. Adams, 1854
Pl. 3 fig. 22
Seeto, 1998: 27; Kohn & Arua, 1999b: 9.
Material examined. — Viti Levu: MUSORSTOM 10: Stn
CP1349, 17°31.1’S, 178°38.8’E, 244-255 m, 1 lv; Stn
CP1374, 18°18.5’S, 178°05.9’E, 259-348 m, 1 dd. BORDAU
1: Stn DW1472, 19°40’S, 178°10’E, 262-266 m, 1 dd; Stn
CP1507, 18°09’S, 178°38’E, 294-300 m, 1 lv.
Remarks. — First confirmed record from this area. Seeto's
(1998) and Kohn & Arua's (1999a) records were doubtful or
referred to fossils.
Conus proximus Sowerby II, 1859
Cernohorsky, 1964: 81, pl. 17 fig. 53 [as Conus moluccensis];
Seeto, 1998: 19-20.
Material examined. — Viti Levu: MUSORSTOM 10: Stn
CP1371, 18°12.4’S, 178°32.8’E, 135-151 m, 1 dd. SUVA 4:
Stn DW04, 18°12'S, 178°35'E, 100-122 m, 2 dd; Stn DW10,
18°20.8'S, 178°07.5'E, 39-43 m, 3 dd; Stn DW21, 18°26.2’S,
177°58.1’E, 41 m, 1 dd.
Remarks. — Seeto (1998: 20) recorded a live collected
specimen off Wainunu, Fiji.
Conus cf. pseudokimioi Da Motta & Martin, 1982
Pl. 3 fig. 23
Material examined. — Vanua Levu: BORDAU 1: Stn
CP1394, 16°45’S, 179°59’E, 416 m, 2 dd.
Remarks. — The identity of these two worn specimens is
doubtful. They also resemble to C. alisi Moolenbeek, Röckel
& Richard, 1995, from New Caledonia. However, the colour
pattern resembles more that of C. pseudokimioi, so we tenta-
tively assign them to that species, so far known only from the
Philippines.
Conus pseudorbignyi Röckel & Lan, 1981
Pl. 3 fig. 24
Material examined. — Bligh Water: MUSORSTOM 10: Stn
CP1323, 17°16.1’S, 177°45.7’E, 143 m, 3 lv (1 ZMA), 10 dd
(1 ZMA); Stn CP1329, 17°19.3’S, 177°47.4’E, 102-106 m, 1
dd.
Viti Levu: MUSORSTOM 10: Stn CP1363, 18°12.4’S,
178°33.0’E, 144-150 m, 2 lv; Stn CP1366, 18°12.4’S,
178°33.1’E, 149-168 m, 1 dd; Stn CP1371, 18°12.4’S,
178°32.8’E, 135-151 m, 1 lv.
Remarks. — First record from this area.
Conus quercinus [Lightfoot], 1786
Cernohorsky, 1964: 83-84, pl. 13 fig. 15; Seeto, 1998: 20.
Material examined. — Viti Levu: MUSORSTOM 10: Stn
CP1387, 18°18.5’S-178°04.7’E, 229-370 m, 1 dd.
Remarks. — This empty shell was certainly carried down
slope.
Conus radiatus Gmelin, 1791
Cernohorsky, 1964: 84, pl. 12 fig. 6; Seeto, 1998: 20; Kohn
& Arua, 1999b: 9.
Material examined. — Viti Levu: SUVA 2: Stn CP47,
17°53.5’S, 177°13.6’E. 25 m, 1 lv.
Remarks. — According to Cernohorsky (1964), a rare
shallow water species.
Conus saecularis Melvill, 1898
Kohn & Arua, 1999a: 122, fig. 65 [?].
Material examined. — Viti Levu: SUVA 2: Stn CP45,
17°51.6’S, 177°13.3’E, 35 m, 2 dd. SUVA 4: Stn CP20,
18°26.4’S, 178°02.4’E, 50-51 m, 2 dd.
Remarks. — This cone, originally described from the
Persian Gulf region, is very similar in outline and colouration
to C. fijiensis spec. nov. However, C. saecularis has a plank-
totrophic larval development as infered from its multispiral
protoconch, whereas C. fijiensis spec. nov. has a paucispiral
protoconch indicating non-planktotrophic larval development
(see description C. fijiensis spec. nov. ).
Conus shikamai Coomans, Moolenbeek & Wils, 1985
Pl. 3 fig. 25
Material examined. — Bligh Water: MUSORSTOM 10: Stn
CP1323, 17°16.1’S, 177°45.7’E, 143-173 m, 9 lv (2 ZMA),
15 dd.
Remarks. — First record from this area. Conus shikamai
resembles C. recluzianus Bernardi, 1853, which has been
recorded from Fiji as fossil; the identification of that material,
however, requires confirmation.
Conus smirna Bartsch & Rehder, 1943
Pl. 3 fig. 26
Material examined. — Lau Group: BORDAU 2: Stn
DW1485, 19°03’S, 178°30’W, 700-707 m, 1 dd.
Remarks. — A large specimen (height 70.4 mm), dam-
aged and without a protoconch. First record for this area.
The Conus sulcatus species complex
Conus fijisulcatus spec. nov.
Pl. 3 figs 27-28, pl. 4 fig. 42
Holotype. — MNHN 21038 (lv), Fiji, Vanua Levu, Natewa
Bay, 16°40’S, 179°36’E, 220-224 m [BORDAU 1, Stn
CP1403] (Pl. 3 figs 27a-b).
Paratypes. — 1 paratype MNHN 21040, 1 paratype ZMA
Moll. 4.01.028 Vanua Levu: BORDAU 1: Stn CP1402,
16°38’S, 179°36’E, 260-279 m, 2 lv; 2 paratypes MNHN
21039, Vanua Levu: BORDAU 1: Stn CP1403, 16°40’S,
179°36’E, 220-224 m, 2 lv (type locality).
Description holotype. — Shell medium to large, broadly
conical, moderately solid. Spire rather high and straight.
Protoconch of 2.3 whorls, smooth, glossy and transparant.
Teleoconch of 11.2 whorls. Whorls slighly concave with 2
spiral grooves in the first teleoconch whorl, gradually grow-
ing to about 5 grooves axially crossed by opisthocline growth-
markings. First teleoconch whorl with about 14 fine nodules,
gradually diminishing and lacking on the last two whorls.
Suture deep. Colour on the first whorls dominated by brown
blotches, gradually becoming more white. Shoulder angulate
with a prominent white rim. Body whorl straight, slightly
convex near the shoulder, with 3-4 repair scars. Upper part
smooth other 3/4 with about 30 spiral grroves. In these
grooves fine axial riblets. On the lower spiral ribs fine nod-
ules. Colour brown with a few white spirals of which the one
in the middle is most prominent. Base white
Dimensions: Height 54.9 mm, width 25.6 mm.
Distribution. — Only known from Fiji. Alive in 150-353
m, empty shells to 497 m.
Derivatio nominis. — As far as we know endemic to Fiji
and a member of the Conus sulcatus complex. Hence the
name.
Remarks. — Some adult specimens are more uniformly
brown; however, all have a white band on the shoulder and a
white base. The sculpture of spiral grooves is variable; most
juveniles have more pronounced spiral grooves and more
nodules on the spiral ribs.
Conus fijisulcatus spec. nov. differs from C. sulcatus by
being more slender, and having a higher spire. Adult speci-
mens of C. fijisulcatus spec. nov. have a smooth upper part of
the last whorl, whereas the true C. sulcatus is always entirely
grooved, and is white. Conus sulcatus fa. brettinghami
Coomans, Moolenbeek & Wils, 1982 has a similar brown
colour pattern, but is more slender and has a lower spire.
Conus gigasulcatus spec. nov. differs by being larger, having
a pattern of interrupted dark brown/white spiral lines and a
flatter, more nodulated spire. A subadult specimen from
MUSORSTOM 10 Stn DW1356 shows similarities in sculp-
ture to C. rolani Röckel, 1986, but lacks the brown pattern.
Other material examined. — Bligh Water: MUSORSTOM
10: Stn DW1319, 17°15.6’S, 178°01.9’E, 341-347 m, 1 dd;
Stn CP1325, 17°16.4’S-177°49.8’E, 282-322 m, 1 dd.
Viti Levu: MUSORSTOM 10: Stn CP1348, 17°30.3’S,
178°39.6’E, 353-390 m, 1 lv; Stn CP1352, 17°31.4’S,
178°39.4’E, 241-245 m, 2 dd; Stn DW1356, 17°50.3’S,
178°48.0’E, 203-208 m, 1 dd; Stn CP1359, 17°49.7’S,
178°47.8’E, 183-188 m, 1 lv (ZMA), 1 dd; Stn CP1363,
18°12.4’S, 178°33.0’E, 144-150 m, 1 lv; Stn CP1374,
18°18.5’S, 178°05.9’E, 259-348 m, 2 dd; Stn CP1376,
18°18.7’S, 178°09.1’E, 497-504 m, 1 dd; Stn CP1384,
18°18.5’S, 178°05.8’E, 260-305 m, 1 dd; Stn CP1387,
18°18.5’S, 178°04.7’E, 229-370 m, 1 dd; Stn CP1389,
18°18.6’S, 178°04.7’E, 241-417 m, 3 dd; Stn CP1390,
18°18.6’S, 178°05.1’E, 234-361 m, 1 dd.
Conus gigasulcatus spec. nov.
Pl. 3 figs 29-31, pl. 4 fig. 43
Holotype. — MNHN 21041 (lv), Fiji, South of Viti Levu,
18°12.4’S, 178°33.0’E, 144-150 m [MUSORSTOM 10 Stn
CP1363] (Figs 29a-b).
Paratypes. — 1 paratype MNHN 21042, 1 paratype ZMA
Moll. 4.01.029, Viti Levu: MUSORSTOM 10 Stn CP1363,
18°12.4’S, 178°33.0’E, 144-150 m, 2 lv (type locality); 1
paratype Viti Levu: MUSORSTOM 10 MNHN 21043, Stn
CP1366, 18°12.4’S, 178°33.1’E, 149-168 m, 1 lv.
Description holotype. — Shell large, broadly conical,
moderately solid. Spire rather low and slightly concave.
Protoconch missing. Teleoconch of about 11 whorls. Whorls
Moolenbeek, R.G., D. Röckel & P. Bouchet - Conidae from Fiji
VITA MALACOLOGICA, 6: 43
Moolenbeek, R.G., D. Röckel & P. Bouchet - Conidae from Fiji
VITA MALACOLOGICA, 6: 44
PLATE 2
Fig. 12. Conus exiguus, Viti Levu, Stn CP1371, height 20.9 mm. Figs 13a-b. C. fijiensis spec. nov., Viti Levu, holotype Stn CP1358, ventral and
dorsal view, height 17.7 mm. Fig. 14. C. fijiensis spec. nov., Viti Levu, paratype Stn DW1357, ventral view, height 12.2 mm. Fig. 15. C. ichi-
noseana, Lau Group, Stn DW1496, height 16.7 mm. Figs 16a-b. C. joliveti spec. nov., Bligh Water, holotype Stn CP1320, ventral and dorsal
view, height 29.0 mm. Fig. 17. C. joliveti spec. nov., Bligh Water, paratype Stn CP1320, ventral view, height 33.8 mm. Fig. 18. C. kimioi, Vanua
Levu, Stn CP1394, height 18.2 mm. Fig. 19. C. ochroleucus, Bligh Water, Stn CP1323, height 98.2 mm. Fig. 20. C. orbignyi, Viti Levu, Stn
CP1390, height 32.1 mm. Fig. 21. C. plinthis, Lau Group, Stn DW1472, height 9.3 mm.
Moolenbeek, R.G., D. Röckel & P. Bouchet - Conidae from Fiji
PLATE 3
Fig. 22. Conus praecellens, Viti Levu, Stn CP1349, height 38.8 mm. Fig. 23. C. cf. pseudokimioi, Vanua Levu, Stn CP1394, height 20.2 mm.
Fig. 24. C. pseudorbignyi, Viti Levu, Stn CP1371, height 46.2 mm. Fig. 25. C. shikamai, Bligh Water, Stn CP1323, height 45.0 mm. Fig. 26. C.
smirna, Lau Group, Stn DW1484, height 70.6 mm. Figs 27a-b. C. fijisulcatus spec. nov., Vanua Levu, holotype Stn CP1403, ventral and dorsal
view, height 38.6 mm. Fig. 28. C. fijisulcatus spec. nov., Vanua Levu, paratype Stn CP1403, ventral view, height 18.8 mm. Figs 29a-b. C. giga-
sulcatus spec. nov., Viti Levu, holotype Stn CP1363, ventral and dorsal view, height 73.1 mm. Fig. 30. C. gigasulcatus spec. nov., Viti Levu,
paratype Stn CP1387, ventral view, height 87.9 mm. Fig. 31. C. gigasulcatus spec. nov., Viti Levu, paratype Stn CP1387, ventral view, height
28.5 mm.
VITA MALACOLOGICA, 6: 45
VITA MALACOLOGICA, 6: 46
Moolenbeek, R.G., D. Röckel & P. Bouchet - Conidae from Fiji
slightly concave with 2 spiral grooves in the first teleoconch
whorl, gradually increasing to about 5 grooves axially crossed
by opisthocline growth marks, and fine axial riblets. First
teleoconch whorls with fine nodules, gradually growing larger
on subsequent whorls. Last whorl with 12 strong nodules.
Suture rather deep. Colour basically white interrupted by
brown blotches. Shoulder angulate. Last whorl straight,
slightly convex near the shoulder. Adapical half smooth,
abapical part with about 26 spiral grooves, crossed by irregu-
lar fine axial riblets. On the abapical spiral cords, a few small
nodules. Colour dark white with a pattern of brown dotted
spirals. In the middle these brown/white spiral lines have a
broader band of brown blotches. Base white. Periostracum
rather thick, brown to dark brown.
Dimensions: Height 73.1 mm, width 38.4 mm.
Distribution. — Only known from Fiji. Alive in 150-183
m, empty shells in 120-260 m.
Derivatio nominis. — From gigas, very large, with refer-
ence to the large adult size, and the epithet sulcatus, with ref-
erence to the species complex.
Remarks. — Juvenile specimens are entirely covered with
spiral grooves and irregular fine brown spots. Gradually the
regular brown/white spiral lines are formed with the larger
brown band in the middle. There is some variation in this spi-
ral brown pattern, sometimes more pronounced sometimes
less prominent. Protoconch of 2.5 smooth, somewhat convex
whorls (pl. 4 fig. 43).
Conus gigasulcatus spec. nov. differs from C. sulcatus
in being a little more slender and in adult specimens lacking
sprial grooves all over the last whorl. Also the colour pattern
differs from the entirely white typical C. sulcatus. Conus sul-
catus forma bocki Sowerby III, 1881 has a more triangular
shape, with a nearly equal brown background and stronger
nodules on the spire. The colour pattern shows some resem-
blance to the forma samiae Da Motta, 1982 of C. sulcatus but
that form has more pronounced pustulated spiral cords and a
convex spire.
Other material examined. — Bligh Water: MUSORSTOM
10: Stn. DW1334, 16°51.4’S, 178°13.9’E, 252-257 m, 1 dd.
Viti Levu: MUSORSTOM 10: Stn CP1349, 17°31.1’S,
178°38.8’E, 244-252 m, 1 dd; Stn CP1358, 17°48.5’S,
178°46.7’E, 80-120 m, 1 dd; Stn CP1359, 17°49.7’S,
178°47.8’E, 183-188 m, 1 lv, 1 dd; Stn CP1371, 18°12.4’S,
178°32.8’E, 135-151 m, 2 lv; Stn DW1384, 18°18.5’S,
178°05.8’E, 260-305 m, 2 dd; Stn CP1387, 18°18.5’S,
178°04.7’E, 229-370 m, 2 dd; Stn CP1389, 18°18.6’S,
178°04.7’E, 241-417 m, 1 dd; Stn CP1437, 17°11’S,
178°46’W, 160-177 m, 1 lv.
SUVA 4: Stn DW04, 18°12’S, 178°35’E, 100-122 m, 1 dd.
Conus sulcocastaneus Kosuge, 1981
Pl. 4 fig. 32
Material examined. — Lau Group: BORDAU 1: Stn CP1501,
18°40’S, 178°30’W, 350-357 m, 1 dd.
Remarks. — A deep-water species known from the
Philippines, the Marshall Islands, and Wallis and Futuna
(Moolenbeek & Röckel, 1996). First record for Fiji.
Conus sutanorcum spec. nov.
Pl. 4 figs 33-35, 44
Holotype. — 21044 (lv), Fiji, Viti Levu, 18°16.9’S,
178°04.3’E, 32 m [SUVA 4: Stn CP30] (pl. 4 figs 33a-b).
Paratypes. — MNHN 21045 (3 lv, 5 dd), ZMA Moll.
4.01.030 (1 lv, 6 dd), Fiji, Viti Levu, 18°16.9’S, 178°04.3’E,
32 m [SUVA 4: Stn CP30] (type locality).
Description holotype. — Shell medium-sized, moderately
solid. Shape conical to broadly ovate. Spire concave.
Protoconch glassy white, two nearly smooth tapering whorls.
Teleoconch of 9.5 whorls. The first 3 post nuclear whorls
with fine nodules gradually disappearing. Spire whorls start-
ing with one and ending with 4 spiral grooves. Suture rather
deep. Colour white with irregular axial brown markings,
penultimate whorl with about 12 markings. Last whorl with
about 35 spiral cords which are narrower than the axially stri-
ated interspaces. On the basal part of the whorl the interspaces
are about 5 times as broad as the cords. Upper cords brown
with now and then a white area in between, on lower cords
the brown and white portions are nearly equal. Base white.
Aperture rather slender, white with the brown lines shining
through the edge.
Dimensions: Height 29.7 mm, width 13.8 mm.
Distribution. — Fiji and probably Vanuatu (Moolenbeek,
in study).
Derivatio nominis. — Resembling C. mucronatus, hence
the anagram sutanorcum; used as a noun in apposition.
Remarks. — At first impression these specimens resemble
Conus grangeri Sowerby III, 1900 and C. batheon Sturany,
1904. However, we consider C. grangeri a nomen dubium
since the type specimen lacks its larval shell which is essen-
tial for the identification of this group of closely related
cones; C. batheon is endemic to the Red Sea. Conus sutanor-
cum spec. nov. shows most resemblance to C. alabaster
Reeve, 1849 but differs in having a planktotrophic larval shell
(pl. 4 fig. 44). Typical fullgrown C. mucronatus from the
Philippines differs from the Fiji ones by being smoother
(upper part of body whorl), having the spiral ribs on lower
part of body whorl equal or wider than the grooves and hav-
ing a more straight outline.
It is very likely that several earlier fossil records (Seeto
1998, as C. mucronatus; Kohn & Arua 1999a: figs 62-63, as
C. sulcatus) refer to C. sutanorcum spec. nov. Ladd (1982:
75, pl. 27 figs 3-4) reported Pleistocene specimens (as C.
mucronatus Reeve, 1843) from the New Hebrides [now
Vanuatu] which agree in detail with our specimens from Stn
CP1323. Röckel et al. (1995) also recorded and illustrated a
Moolenbeek, R.G., D. Röckel & P. Bouchet - Conidae from Fiji
VITA MALACOLOGICA, 6: 47
Recent specimen from Vanuatu. Their figure (pl. 46 fig. 28)
shows a specimen identical in shape and sculpture to the ones
from Fiji.
Other material examined. — Bligh Water: MUSORSTOM
10: Stn CP1323, 17°16.1’S, 177°45.7’E, 143-173 m, >25 dd
(5 ZMA).
Viti Levu: SUVA 4: Stn CP19, 18°26.3’S, 178°04.0’E, 48-50
m, 10 lv (2 ZMA), 1 dd; Stn CP20, 18°26.4’S, 178°02.4’E,
50-51 m, 6 lv, 18 dd; Stn DW26, 18°24.1’S-178°04.8’E, 42-
43 m, 3 dd.
Conus teramachii (Kuroda, 1956 )
Pl. 4 fig. 36
Material examined. — Lau Group: BORDAU 1: Stn CP1501,
18°40’S, 178°30’W, 350-357 m, 1 dd.
Remarks. — A range extension to the east of its known
range.
Conus tribblei Walls, 1977
Pl. 4 fig. 37
Material examined. — Viti Levu: MUSORSTOM 10: Stn
CP1389, 18°18.6’S, 178°04.7’E, 241-417 m, 1 lv; Stn
CP1390, 18°18.6’S, 178°05.1’E, 234-361 m, 1 lv.
Remarks. — First record from this area. Shells with this
colour pattern are named C. tribblei forma queenslandis Da
Motta, 1984.
Conus varius Linnaeus, 1758
Cernohorsky, 1964: 88; Seeto, 1998: 24.
Material examined. — Vanua Levu: BORDAU 1: Stn
CP1394, 16°45’S, 179°59’E, 416 m, 1 dd.
Remarks. — This empty shell was certainly carried down
slope from the sublittoral to deeper water.
Conus spec. A [nov.]
Pl. 4 fig. 38
Material examined. — Bligh Water: MUSORSTOM 10: Stn
CP1325, 17°16.4’S, 177°49.8’E, 282-322 m, 2 dd.
Viti Levu: MUSORSTOM 10: Stn CP1348, 17°30.3’S,
178°39.6’E, 353-390 m, 1 dd.
Remarks. — We have 3 specimens of a species resem-
bling C. acutangulus, which differs in having tubercles
[=strong knobs] instead of nodules [=more vague knobs, less
boundered] on the spire, in having just below the suture a row
of prosocline axial threads followed by 2-3 spiral grooves,
and the last whorl having rather flat cords which are broader
than their interspaces. Conus spec. A lacks this row of proso-
cline axial threads, has a slightly larger larval shell and has
the interspaces broader than the spiral cords. We believe this
is a new species, but additional and better material is needed
before we want to formally name it.
DISCUSSION
Two distinct faunal assemblages are present in the materi-
al studied.
Shallow-water assemblage. Twelve species are recorded
from depths shallower than 100 m, most of them represented
by live-taken specimens: Conus acutangulus (lv, 16-48 m, dd
to 143 m), C. ammiralis (lv, 28-30 m, dd to 416 m), C. capita-
neus (lv, 38 m), C. corallinus (dd, 100-122 m), C. fijiensis
spec. nov. (lv, 80-120 m, dd to 497 m), C. floridulus (lv, 33
m, dd to 416 m), C. mustelinus (lv, 28-30 m), C. planorbis
(lv, 28-30 m), C. proximus (dd, 41-135 m), C. radiatus (lv, 25
m), C. saecularis (dd, 35-50 m), C. sutanorcum spec. nov. (lv,
32-50 m). A further seven species can be assigned, based on
their bathymetric occurrence elsewhere in the Pacific, to the
shallow-water fauna, but are represented in the study material
only by empty shells that have obviously been carried downs-
lope: Conus articulatus (dd, 213-416 m), C. exiguus (dd, 135-
151 m), C. geographus (dd, 426-487 m), C. insculptus (dd,
143-173 m), C. nussatella (dd, 229-370 m), C. quercinus (dd,
229-370 m), C. varius (dd, 416 m).
Of these 19 species, six are new records for Fiji (C. artic-
ulatus, C. corallinus, C. exiguus, C. fijiensis spec. nov., C.
saecularis, C. sutanorcum spec. nov.), including two new
species.
Deep-water assemblage. Sixteen species are recorded
alive from deeper than 100 m: C. bailyei (lv, 190-294 m), C.
boholensis (lv, 300-430 m), C. boucheti (lv, 390-405 m), C.
cakobaui spec. nov. (lv, 414-567 m), C. capitanellus (lv, 233-
248 m, dd to 416 m), C. fijisulcatus spec. nov. (lv, 150-353
m), C. gigasulcatus spec. nov. (lv, 150-188 m, dd to 260 m),
C. ichinoseanus (lv, 407-427 m), C. joliveti spec. nov. (lv,
290-300 m, dd, 279-380 m), C. ochroleucus (lv, 149-168 m,
dd to 234 m), C. orbignyi (lv, 300-310 m),
C. praecellens (lv,
255-294 m), C. pseudorbignyi (lv, 143-144 m), C. shikamai
(lv, 143-173 m), C. teramachii (lv, 656-669 m), C. tribblei
(lv, 234-361 m). A further eight are recorded only by empty
shells, but based on their bathymetric occurrence elsewhere in
the Pacific, can be assigned to deep-water assemblages:
Conus cf. acutangulus (dd, 322-353 m), C. dayriti (dd, 416
m), C. excelsus (dd, 229-370 m), C. kimioi (dd, 416-420 m),
C. plinthis (dd, 262-266 m), C. cf. pseudokimioi (dd, 416 m),
C. smirna (dd, 700-707 m), C. sulcocastaneus (dd, 350-357
m).
Leaving aside the two taxa of uncertain identity (identi-
Moolenbeek, R.G., D. Röckel & P. Bouchet - Conidae from Fiji
VITA MALACOLOGICA, 6: 48
PLATE 4
Fig. 32. Conus sulcocastaneus, Lau Group, Stn CP1501, height 71.1 mm. Figs 33a-b. C. sutanorcum spec. nov., Viti Levu, holotype Stn CP30,
ventral and dorsal view, height 29.7 mm. Fig. 34. C. sutanorcum spec. nov., Viti Levu, paratype Stn CP30, height 18.4 mm. Fig. 35. C. sutanor-
cum spec. nov., Bligh Water, paratype Stn CP1323, height 39.4 mm. Fig. 36. C. teramachi, Vanua Levu, Stn CP1413, height 52.2 mm. Fig. 37.
C. tribblei, Viti Levu, Stn CP 1390, height 70.2 mm. Fig. 38. C. spec A., Viti Levu, Stn CP1348, height 17.6 mm. Fig. 39. protoconch paratype
of C. cakobaui spec. nov. Fig. 40. protoconch paratype of C. fijiensis spec. nov. Fig. 41. protoconch paratype of C. joliveti spec. nov. Fig. 42.
protoconch paratype of C. fijisulcatus spec. nov. Fig. 43. protoconch paratype of C. gigasulcatus spec. nov. Fig. 44. protoconch paratype of C.
sutanorcum spec. nov. Scale bar figs 39-44: 500µ.
Moolenbeek, R.G., D. Röckel & P. Bouchet - Conidae from Fiji
VITA MALACOLOGICA, 6: 49
fied as Conus spec. A [nov.] and C. cf. pseudokimioi), this is a
total of 22 species, and all are new records for Fiji, including
four new species.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We are much obliged to all persons who contributed to
the success of the MUSORSTOM 10 and BORDAU 1 cruis-
es, among others Bertrand Richer de Forges, Peter Newell,
Monika Schlacher-Hoenlinger, Thomas Schlacher, Dako
Nating, Frédéric Césa, Benoit Dayrat, Anders Warén, and
Jean-Sébastien Philippe. Bill Fenzan, Bram van der Bijl and
Mike Filmer made comments which improved the quality of
the paper. SEM and photographs were made by MNHN,
Paris. Jan van Arkel (Digital illustrator of the Institute for
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amste-
rdam) kindly prepared the plates.
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Accepted: 25 September 2008