New species of Muricidae (Gastropoda) and additional or noteworthy records from the western Pacific

Abstract

Fourteen species of Muricidae referable to the (sub)genera Promurex Ponder & Vokes, 1988, Pygmaepterys Vokes, 1978, Murexsul lredale, 1915, Pazinotus Vokes, 1970, Prototyphis Ponder, 1972, Ponderia Houart, 1986, Gemixystus Iredale, 1929, Leptotrophon Houart, 1995 and Scabrotrophon McLean, 1996 are reported from New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands and Taiwan, to depths down to 1750 m. Five new species are described: Favartia (Pygmaepterys) lifouensis n. sp. from New Caledonia with range extension to the Solomon Islands, Pazinotus chionodes n. sp. and Gemixystus calcareus n. sp. from New Caledonia, Leptotrophon wareni n. sp. from the Solomon Islands and Favartia (Pygmaepterys) circinata n. sp. from Taiwan.

Full text

21
ZOOSYSTEMA • 2012 • 34 (1)
© Publications Scientiques du Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, Paris. www.zoosystema.com
New species of Muricidae (Gastropoda)
and additional or noteworthy records
from the western Pacic
Roland HOUART
Research Associate
Institut royal des Sciences naturelles de Belgique
rue Vautier, 29, B-1000 Bruxelles (Belgium)
roland.houart@skynet.be
Virginie HÉROS
Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle,
Département systématique & évolution
case postale 51, 57 rue Cuvier, 75231 Paris cedex 5 (France)
malaco@mnhn.fr
Houart R. & Héros V. 2012. — New species of Muricidae (Gastropoda) and additional or
noteworthy records from the western Pacic. Zoosystema 34 (1): 21-37. DOI: http://dx.doi.
org/10.5252/z2012n1a2
ABSTRACT
Fourteen species of Muricidae referable to the (sub)genera Promurex Ponder&
Vokes, 1988, Pygmaepterys Vokes, 1978, Murexsul Iredale, 1915, Pazinotus Vokes,
1970, Prototyphis Ponder, 1972, Ponderia Houart, 1986, Gemixystus Iredale, 1929,
Leptotrophon Houart, 1995 and Scabrotrophon McLean, 1996 are reported from
New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands and Taiwan, to depths down to 1750m.
Five new species are described: Favartia (Pygmaepterys) lifouensis n. sp. from New
Caledonia with range extension to the Solomon Islands, Pazinotus chionodes n. sp.
and Gemixystus calcareus n. sp. from New Caledonia, Leptotrophon wareni n. sp.
from the Solomon Islands and Favartia (Pygmaepterys) circinata n. sp. from Taiwan.
RÉSUMÉ
Nouvelles espèces de Muricidae (Gastropoda) et signalisations additionnelles ou
intéressantes pour le Pacique occidental.
Quatorze espèces de Muricidae appartenant aux (sous-)genres Promurex Ponder
& Vokes, 1988, Pygmaepterys Vokes, 1978, Murexsul Iredale, 1915, Pazinotus
Vokes, 1970, Prototyphis Ponder, 1972, Ponderia Houart, 1986, Gemixystus
Iredale, 1929, Leptotrophon Houart, 1995 et Scabrotrophon McLean, 1996 sont
mentionnées de Nouvelle-Calédonie, des îles Salomon et de Taiwan, jusqu’à
une profondeur de 1750m. Cinq espèces nouvelles sont décrites : Favartia
(Pygmaepterys) lifouensis n.sp. de Nouvelle-Calédonie avec une distribution
s’étendant jusqu’aux îles Salomon, Pazinotus chionodes n.sp. et Gemixystus
calcareus n.sp. de Nouvelle-Calédonie, Leptotrophon wareni n.sp. des îles
Salomon et Favartia (Pygmaepterys) circinata n.sp. de Taiwan.
KEY WORDS
Gastropoda,
Muricidae,
New Caledonia,
Coral Sea,
Solomon Islands,
Vanuatu,
Taiwan,
new species,
new data,
new combinations.
MOTS CLÉS
Gastropoda,
Muricidae,
Nouvelle-Calédonie,
mer de Corail,
îles Salomon,
Vanuatu,
Taiwan,
espèces nouvelles,
données nouvelles,
combinaisons nouvelles.

22
ZOOSYSTEMA • 2012 • 34 (1)
Houart R.& Héros V.
INTRODUCTION
More than 50 expeditions conducted by MNHN
and IRD (formerly ORSTOM) have been spread
all over the tropical Indo-West Pacic since 1976,
leading to the discovery of hundreds new species
of marine organisms in which Mollusca occupy
a signicant place, and was the subject of many
reports in the voluminous series of Deep-Sea
Benthos (formerly “Résultats des campagnes
MUSORSTOM”) and in numerous other pub-
lications (Bouchet etal. 2008). e Muricidae
collected during these cruises are studied since early
in the 1980s (Houart 1983). Since then a high
number of new species have been described from
the reported material, mostly from the tropical
Pacic, while numerous range extensions have been
signalized. e present paper deals with 14species
of which ve are new. Five have seen their range
extended to New Caledonia (Murexsul merlei
Houart& Héros, 2008 and Prototyphis gracilis
Houart& Héros, 2008) and to Solomon Islands
(Pazinotus brevisplendoris Houart, 1985, Pazinotus
falcatiformis (iele, 1925) and Scabrotrophon
inspiratum Houart, 2003). Two species are new
combinations: Leptotrophon minirotundus (Houart,
1986) and Leptotrophon segmentatus (Verco, 1909).
e radula is illustrated for the rst time for
Scabrotrophon inspiratum. e classication is
maintained in a conservative way (Houart 2010),
waiting for future study of the molecular characters
when more and adequate material will be available
(Barco etal. 2010).
MATERIAL AND METHODS
e present report deals with species collected
during nine expeditions: BATHUS 1 and 3
(1993), ATELIER LIFOU 2000 (all New Cal-
edonia), EBISCO (2005) (Coral Sea), MUSOR-
STOM8 (1994) (Vanuatu), SALOMON 1 (2001),
SALOMON 2 (2004), and SALOMONBOA 3
(2007) (all Solomon Islands), TAIWAN 2002
(Taiwan).
All the material belongs to MNHN otherwise
mentioned.
AbbreviAtions
Repositories
coll. RH collection Roland Houart;
IRD Institut de Recherche pour le Développement
(formerly ORSTOM: Oce de la Recherche
scientique et technique Outre-Mer);
MNHN Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, Paris;
NMMBM National Museum of Marine Biology and
Aquarium, Checheng, Pingtung, Taiwan;
ZMB Museum für Naturkunde der Humboldt
Universität zu Berlin, zoologisches Museum,
Berlin.
Field work
CP chalut à perche (Beam trawl);
DW drague Warén (Warén dredge).
Specimens
dd empty shell;
lv live-taken specimen.
Terminology used to describe the spiral cords and
apertural denticles (after Merle 1999 and 2001)
Terminology in parentheses: erratic feature (Fig. 3C).
abis abapical infrasutural secondary cord (on
subsutural ramp);
ABP abapertural primary cord on the siphonal
canal;
adis adapical infrasutural secondary cord (on
subsutural ramp);
ADP adapertural primary cord on the siphonal
canal;
ads adapertural secondary cord on the siphonal
canal;
EABP extreme abapertural primary cord on the
siphonal canal (e.g.,EABP2 = between EABP1
and EABP3);
IP infrasutural primary cord on subsutural ramp;
MP median primary cord on the siphonal canal;
P primary cord;
P1 shoulder cord;
P2-P6 primary cords of the convex part of the
teleoconch whorl;
s secondary cord;
s1-s6 secondary cords of the convex part of the
teleoconch whorl (e.g., s1 = secondary cord
between P1 and P2; s2 = secondary cord
between P2 and P3, etc.);
SP subsutural cord.
Aperture
D1-D6 abapical denticles;
ID infrasutural denticle.

23
New species of Muricidae (Gastropoda) from the western Pacic
ZOOSYSTEMA • 2012 • 34 (1)
SYSTEMATICS
Family
MuricidAe Ranesque, 1815
Subfamily
MuricinAe Ranesque, 1815
Genus Murex Linnaeus, 1758
Subgenus Promurex Ponder& Vokes, 1988
type species (by original designation). — Murex antelmei
Viader, 1938, Recent, Mauritius.
Murex (Promurex) protocrassus Houart, 1990
(Fig. 4A,B)
Murex (Murex) protocrassus Houart, 1990: 330, gs 1-3, 26.
type MAteriAl. — Holotype MNHN 0939.
new MAteriAl exAMined. — Coral Sea. EBISCO: stn
CP2492, Capel Bank, 24°44’S, 159°41’E, 285m, 1dd
(MNHN).
t
ype
locAlity
. — Coral Sea, Chesterelds, 19°40’S,
158°32’E, 305-310m [MUSORSTOM 5: stn DC345].
d
istribution
. — Coral Sea, bathymetric range unknown
for living specimens. is is the 4th known specimen;
all were collected as shells only. is record extends the
geographical distribution southwards. e type material
range is 19°36’-19°42’S, 158°30’-158°32’E.
ReMArks
e shell of Murex protocrassus is similar to those of
the various subspecies of M. brevispina (M. brevispina
brevispina Lamarck, 1822, M. brevispina macgillivrayi
Dohrn, 1862, M. brevispina senilis Jousseaume, 1874,
and M. brevispina ornamentalis Ponder& Vokes, 1988)
but diers from them in its more numerous axial
ridges on the early teleoconch whorls and in its more
spinose siphonal canal. Other dierences are its large
and broad protoconch, which indicates intracapsular
larval development, and the absence of a labral tooth.
Due to the lack of the labral tooth it cannot be
classied in Murex s.s. It is therefore included in
Promurex as in Merle etal. (2011).
e French fossil Murex spinicosta Bronn, 1831
(Fig. 4C), another species without a labral tooth,
was classied in Promurex by Ponder& Vokes (1988:
15), and was illustrated by Landau etal. (2007).
Subfamily
MuricopsinAe
Radwin& D’Attilio, 1971
Genus Favartia Jousseaume, 1880
Subgenus Pygmaepterys Vokes, 1978
t
ype
species
(by original designation). — Murex alfredensis
Bartsch, 1915, Recent, South Africa.
Favartia (Pygmaepterys) lifouensis n. sp.
(Fig. 1A-D, K, L)
t
ype
MAteriAl
. — Holotype (dd) MNHN 24174;
5paratypes (dd) MNHN 24175-24177; 1 paratype
(dd) coll. RH.
M
AteriAl
exAMined
. — New Caledonia. ATELIER
LIFOU 2000: stn 1423, Loyalty Islands, Lifou, Baie du
Santal, o Peng, 20°54’S, 167°07’E, 12m, 1dd, paratype
MNHN 24175. — Stn 1442, Lifou, Baie du Santal, Aimé
Martin Cape, 20°46’S, 167°02’E, 47m, 1dd, paratype
coll. RH. — Stn 1445, Lifou, east of Baie du Santal,
20°51’S, 167°10’E, 10-12m, 1dd, paratype MNHN
24176. — Stn 1461, Lifou, Baie du Santal, Shelter Reef,
20°54’S, 167°02’E, 100-120m, 1dd, holotype MNHN
24174. — BATHUS 1: stn DW692, east coast, 20°35’S,
164°59’E, 140-150m, 3dd, paratypes MNHN 24177.
Solomon Islands. SALOMONBOA 3: stn DW2840,
W San Cristobal, 10°25’S, 161°22’E, 121-180m, 1dd,
MNHN. — Stn DW2841, 10°26’S, 161°23’E, 142-
160m, 1dd, MNHN.
type locAlity. — Loyalty Islands, Lifou, Baie du Santal,
Récif Shelter, 20°54’S, 167°02’E, 100-120m [ATELIER
LIFOU 2000: stn 1461].
d
istribution
. — Currently known from New Caledonia,
probably living in 10-47m and from W San Cristobal,
Solomon Islands, dredged dead in 12-142m.
Description
Shell large for the subgenus, height up to 11.5mm at
maturity, height/width ratio 1.7-2.0. Slender, biconical,
broadly-ovate, squamous. Subsutural ramp narrow,
weakly sloping, weakly concave. Shell white or light
tan, occasionally darker coloured P5 or from P5 to
tip of siphonal canal, with light brown blotches on
subsutural area and above anal notch. Aperture white.
Spire high with 1.5 protoconch whorls (Fig. 1K,L)
and up to ve broadly convex, weakly angulate,
shouldered whorls. Suture of teleoconch whorls

24
ZOOSYSTEMA • 2012 • 34 (1)
Houart R.& Héros V.
to South Africa, while another three species live in
the vicinity of the Gulf of Aden and Oman. ese
eight species do not need to be discussed further
here because of their very dierent shell morphology.
Favartia funafutiensis (Hedley, 1899) has a dif-
ferent protoconch morphology, in that it is conical
with 2+ whorls, and weakly and narrowly keeled
abapically.
e ve remaining species are F. avatea Houart&
Tröndlé, 2008, F. bellini (D’Attilio& Myers, 1985),
F. isabelae Houart& Rosado, 2008, F. kurodai
Nakamigawa& Habe, 1961 and F. philcloveri
(Houart, 1984).
Favartia lifouensis n. sp. diers from F. avatea
(Fig. 1E,F) in having a more strongly shouldered
shell with a more weakly sloping subsutural area, a
higher and narrower spire, a comparatively broader
protoconch, an adpressed suture instead of the
impressed one in F. avatea, fewer axial varices, 5
on the last whorl and 6 or 7 on previous whorls
in P.lifouensis vs 6 on the last whorl and 7-9 on
previous whorls in F. avatea, and weaker, more
numerous apertural denticles.
It diers from F. bellini (Fig. 1G,H) in having
a less shouldered and more ovate shell, narrower,
more conspicuous and higher spiral cords and a com-
paratively broader aperture with smaller denticles.
Favartia isabelae, F. kurodai and F. philcloveri
also dier in many ways, including shell height
and width, and protoconch, spiral sculpture and
aperture morphology.
Favartia (Pygmaepterys) circinata n. sp.
(Fig. 1I, J, M)
type MAteriAl. — Holotype (lv) NMMBM 005342.
M
AteriAl
exAMined
. — Only known from the holotype.
adpressed. Protoconch large, broad, whorls rounded.
Diameter of protoconch (holotype) 700µm. Ter-
minal lip thin, weakly raised, almost straight.
Axial sculpture of teleoconch whorls consisting
of moderately high, narrow, webbed varices. First
whorl with 6 or 7 varices, second to penultimate
with 5 or 6, last whorl with 5 varices. Other axial
sculpture of numerous, low, obvious growth lamellae.
Spiral sculpture of low, broad, squamous primary
cords and narrow, squamous, occasionally shallow
secondary cords and threads. First teleoconch whorl
with visible P1 and P2, P1 weaker; 2nd whorl with
P1, s1, P2; 3rd with adis, IP, abis, P1, s1, P2, (P3),
s1 similar in strength to P1; 4th whorl of subadult
paratypes with adis, IP, abis, P1, s1, P2, P3, P4,
(s4), P5, (s5), P6, s6, ADP, MP, ABP; last whorl
of holotype with adis, IP, abis, P1, s1, P2, P3, P4,
P5, P6, ADP, MP, ABP, ads and two or three addi-
tional abapical threads; s1 broader than P1, P2-P4
broadest, P5 and next cords decreasing in strength
abapically. Presence of several narrow, squamous
threads between and on spiral cords. Spiral cords
extending on axial varices, forming webbed varices.
Aperture moderately large, narrow, ovate. Columel-
lar lip narrow, with 2 or 3 small denticles abapically;
abapical two denticles closely spaced. Rim partially
weakly erect, adherent at adapical extremity, with
weak or obsolete, low parietal tooth at adapical ex-
tremity. Anal notch deep, narrow. Outer lip weakly
erect, crenulated, with strong, broad denticles within:
ID, D1 (occasionally split), D2-D5. Siphonal canal
medium sized, broad, weakly dorsally recurved, open.
Operculum and radula unknown.
reMArks
ere are 14 species of Pygmaepterys in the tropical
Indo-West Pacic. ree of them have only three
axial varices on the last teleoconch whorl, two other
species are very small and are geographically restricted
Fig. 1. — A-D, K-L, Favartia (Pygmaepterys) lifouensis n. sp.; A, B, New Caledonia, Loyalty Islands, Lifou, Baie du Santal, Shelter Reef,
ATELIER LIFOU 2000: stn 1461, 20°54’S, 167°02’E, 100-120 m, holotype MNHN 24174, h 11.5 mm; C, D, New Caledonia, Loyalty
Islands, Lifou, E of Baie du Santal, Mepinyo, ATELIER LIFOU 2000: stn 1445, 20°51’S, 167°10’E, 10-12 m, paratype MNHN 24176,
h 8.4 mm; K, protoconch of the holotype; L, protoconch of the illustrated paratype; E, F, Favartia (Pygmaepterys) avatea Houart &
Tröndlé, 2008, French Polynesia, Austral Archipelago, Rimatara, BENTHAUS: stn DW2015, 22°38’S, 152°50’W, 250-280 m, holotype
MNHN 20172, h 11.2 mm; G, H, Favartia (Pygmaepterys) bellini (D’Attilio & Myers, 1985), Philippines, paratype SDMNH 83067a,
h 11.3 mm; I, J, M, Favartia (Pygmaepterys) circinata n. sp.; I, J, SE coast of Taiwan, TAIWAN 2002: stn DW149, 22°19’N, 121°29’E,
258 m, holotype NMMBM 005342, h 11.6 mm; M, protoconch of the holotype. Scale bars: K-M, 500 µm.

25
New species of Muricidae (Gastropoda) from the western Pacic
ZOOSYSTEMA • 2012 • 34 (1)
I
A DB C
E
F
G
H J
K L M

26
ZOOSYSTEMA • 2012 • 34 (1)
Houart R.& Héros V.
IP, D1-D2 fused, D3, D4, D5. D1-D2 denticle
largest. Siphonal canal short, broad, straight, open.
Operculum and radula unknown.
reMArks
is species is unique in Pygmaepterys and diers in
many ways from all the other known species by its
shell morphology and colour. e secondary spiral
structure is apparently absent between primary cords
P1-P5; however, examination of new material will
probably show that some of the threads are in fact
secondary cords of the same magnitude as some
of the threads.
Genus Murexsul Iredale, 1915
t
ype
species
(by original designation).— Murex octogonus
Quoy& Gaimard, 1832, Recent, New Zealand.
Murexsul merlei Houart& Héros, 2008
(Figs 4F-I; 5A)
Murexsul merlei Houart& Héros, 2008: 454, g. 4E-G.
type MAteriAl. — Holotype (dd) MNHN 20006.
new MAteriAl exAMined (all MNHN). — Coral Sea
(new record). EBISCO: stn DW2564, NW Bellona,
20°25’S, 158°41’E, 333-386m, 1dd. — Stn DW2617,
Lansdowne, 20°06’S, 160°22’E, 427-505m, 1dd. — Stn
DW2632, S Lansdowne, 21°05’S, 160°45’E, 297-378m,
1lv (SEM of the radula, Fig. 5A). — Stn CP2640,
20°46’S, 160°58’E, 300-319m, 1lv, 1dd (Fig. 4F-I).
Vanuatu (new record). MUSORSTOM 8: stn DW967,
20°19’S, 169°53’E, 295-334m, 1dd.
type locAlity. — Tonga, N Ha’apai group, 19°03’S,
174°19’W, 523-806m [BORDAU 2: stn DW1595].
distribution. — Tonga, Fiji, Coral Sea, and Vanuatu,
living in 314-319m, empty shells in 319-523m. Murexsul
merlei was previously known from the holotype and
2paratypes, described from Tonga and Fiji, dredged
alive at 314-377m. e bathymetric range in Coral Sea
for living specimens is similar to that recorded in Fiji.
ReMArks
e colour of the Coral Sea material is similar to
that of the holotype, having the protoconch and
t
ype
locAlity
. — SE coast of Taiwan, 22°19’N, 121°29’E,
258m [NO Ocean Researcher 1, TAIWAN 2002: stn
DW149, Chan, Cosel& Richer-IRD coll., 20/V/2002].
distribution. — Known only from SE Taiwan at the
type locality.
etyMology. — From Latin “circinata”: rounded, convex,
because of the broadly-ovate last teleoconch whorl.
Description
Shell large for the subgenus, height 11.6mm
at maturity, height/width ratio 1.7. Biconical,
broadly-ovate, lightly built, weakly squamous.
Subsutural ramp narrow, weakly sloping, weakly
concave. Protoconch and 1st teleoconch whorl
blackish brown, gradually lighter coloured, from
greyish brown on 2nd whorl to light tan on last
teleoconch whorl. Outer apertural edge nely
surrounded with dark brown line as well as base
of axial varices, remnants of previous positions of
the aperture. Brown line not extended on siphonal
canal. Aperture white within.
Spire high with 1.5 protoconch whorls (Fig.
1M) and ve broadly convex, weakly shouldered
teleo conch whorls. Suture of teleoconch whorls
impressed. Protoconch small, whorls rounded.
Diameter 500µm. Terminal lip shallow, delicate,
weakly curved.
Axial sculpture of teleoconch whorls consisting
of low, weak, webbed varices, each with a weak
shoulder spine. Other axial sculpture of numerous
growth lamellae. Spiral sculpture of low, narrow,
squamous primary cords and numerous squamous
threads. First to 3rd teleoconch whorls with vis-
ible SP, P1 and P2, 4th whorl with SP, P1-P3, last
whorl with SP, P1-P5, s5, P6, ADP, MP, ABP and
numerous squamous threads on and between spiral
cords. Spiral cords extending on varices, forming
small, broad, open spinelets joined by squamous
webbing, more obvious on high, narrow apertural
varix. P2-P5 strongest, P1 weakly narrower and
lower, P6 small, narrow, ADP and ABP low, nar-
row, MP higher and broader, same strength as P1.
Aperture moderately large, ovate. Columellar lip
narrow with two small knobs abapically. Rim par-
tially weakly erect, adherent at adapical extremity.
Anal notch deep, broad. Outer lip weakly erect,
smooth, with ve strong, broad denticles within:

27
New species of Muricidae (Gastropoda) from the western Pacic
ZOOSYSTEMA • 2012 • 34 (1)
shoulder spines and in having a dierent spiral
cord morphology, narrower primary cords and
a less smooth shell with secondary spiral cords
or numerous striae vs smooth in P. smithi. e
primary spiral sculpture in P. smithi consists of
smooth, low and broad P1-P6 only vs P1, P2,
(S2), P3, P4, P5, s5, P6, ADP in P. brevisplendoris
with more closely spaced but relatively narrower
P5, P6 and ADP.
Pazinotus chionodes n. sp.
(Fig. 2A, B, M)
type MAteriAl. — Holotype (dd) MNHN 24178 and
1 paratype (dd) MNHN 24179.
M
AteriAl
exAMined
. — Only known from the type
material.
type locAlity. — Coral Sea, off New Caledonia,
S Lansdowne, 20°47’S, 161°01’E, 289-294m [EBISCO:
stn DW2639, Bouchet, Lozouet, Warén, Richer-IRD
coll., 22/X/2005].
distribution. — Known only from the Coral Sea at
the type locality.
etyMology. — From ancient Greek “chionodes”: snow
white.
Description
Shell medium sized for the genus, holotype 10.1mm
in height, height/width ratio 1.41. Broadly-ovate,
lightly built. Subsutural ramp weakly sloping on
early whorls, more strongly sloping on last whorl,
especially between penultimate and last (apertural)
varix, weakly convex. Shell entirely white.
Spire high with 1.5 protoconch whorls (Fig. 2M)
and teleoconch of 4.5 broad, convex, strongly shoul-
dered whorls. Protoconch small, whorls rounded,
smooth, glossy. Diameter (holotype) 600µm. Ter-
minal lip delicate, thin, weakly curved.
Axial sculpture of teleoconch whorls consisting
of high, narrow, broadly lamellate varices, each
with broad, open shoulder spine. Last (apertural)
varix shoulder spine broader, long. Preceding var-
ices with narrowly open shoulder spine. Abapical
spines long, very broad, connected to each other
with narrow, broadly expanded lamellar ange,
the rst teleoconch whorl light brown and the tip
of the siphonal canal dark brown. e shell from
Vanuatu is 19mm in height, while the largest shell
examined from Tonga (holotype) is only 14.6mm
in height.
e radula (Fig. 5A) was not previously illustrated
and is typical for the muricopsine subfamily with
a short central projecting cusp, two long lateral
denticles situated between the central and lateral
cusps, and short marginal cusps.
Genus Pazinotus Vokes, 1970
t
ype
species
(by original designation).— Eupleura
stimpsonii Dall, 1889, Recent, western Atlantic.
Pazinotus brevisplendoris (Houart, 1985)
(Fig. 2J)
Poirieria (Pazinotus) brevisplendoris Houart, 1985: 163,
gs 6,6B.
type MAteriAl. — Holotype (dd) MNHN 1040.
n
ew
MAteriAl
exAMined
. — Solomon Islands (new
record). SALOMON 1: stn DW1758, 8°49’S, 159°52’E,
180-187m, 1dd (MNHN).
type locAlity. — Northeastern Madagascar, 20°51’S,
55°36’E, 290-300m [MD32 REUNION: stn CP129
].
d
istribution
. — Mozambique, northeastern Madagascar
and Solomon Islands, bathymetric range unknown for
living specimens, empty shells in 187-290m.
ReMArks
Pazinotus brevisplendoris was described from Mo-
zambique and had not been recorded subsequently
from any other locality. e specimen collected in
the Solomon Islands was an empty shell, weakly
damaged and faded, of a light tan colour. e
colour of P.brevisplendoris from Mozambique
is reddish-brown or light pink. Pazinotus brevis-
plendoris diers from P. smithi (Schepman, 1911),
known only from the holotype collected in the
Philippines, in having a last teleoconch whorl
that is broader compared to the early whorls than
in P. smithi, in having less adapically recurved

28
ZOOSYSTEMA • 2012 • 34 (1)
Houart R.& Héros V.
Pazinotus falcatiformis (iele, 1925)
(Fig. 2K, L)
Murex falcatiformis iele, 1925: 168, pl. 18, g. 10.
type MAteriAl. — Holotype dd, ZMB.
n
ew
MAteriAl
exAMined
(all MNHN). — Solomon
Islands (new record). SALOMON 2: stn DW2234,
Choiseul Island, Oldham Deep, 6°51’S, 156°24’E,
182-277m, 1dd. — SALOMONBOA 3: stn CP2809, E
Malaita, 9°19’S, 161°27’E, 788-1042m, 1dd (Fig. 2K, L).
t
ype
locAlity
. — North of Nias Island, Sumatra,
Indonesia, 1°48’N, 97°6’E, 141m.
d
istribution
. — Indonesia, Philippines (Houart 2008),
Fiji (Houart& Héros 2008) and Solomon Islands, living in
290-300m (Houart& Héros 2008), shells in 141-788m.
ReMArks
Pazinotus falcatiformis was described from Indonesia.
Other specimens are known from Aliguay Islands, Sulu
Sea, Philippines (Houart 2008), Fiji (Houart& Héros
2008) and now the Solomon Islands. e holotype is
larger but with more numerous teleoconch whorls, it
also has longer, more acute shoulder spines than in
other examined material, but other shell characters
(paucispiral protoconch, angulate aperture, spines
connected by a broad webbing, number of varices,
ontogeny and morphology of the spiral cords) are
similar to those of specimens from the other localities.
Subfamily tripterotyphinAe
D’Attilio& Hertz, 1988
Genus Prototyphis Ponder, 1972
type species (by original designation). — Typhis angasi
Crosse, 1863, Recent, Australia.
extending from last varix of preceding whorl to
tip of siphonal canal. Last whorl with four varices,
early whorls with ve. Spiral sculpture of low,
very weak, narrow, smooth primary and second-
ary cords. First teleoconch whorls with visible
weakly dened P1 ending as lightly adapically
bent shoulder spine. P2 more weakly dened, oc-
casionally with very weak s1 between P1 and P2.
Spiral sculpture of last whorl with weak, narrow,
low P1-P6 and ADP, MP, ABP. Spiral sculpture
occasionally more apparent on abapertural side of
lamellate varices. Very weak, quite indiscernible,
irregular, secondary cords.
Aperture large, ovate. Columellar lip narrow
with three strong knobs abapically. Last abapical
knob high and strong. Rim weakly detached abapi-
cally. Anal notch shallow, broad. Outer lip erect,
smooth, with weak IP and ve strong denticles
within: D1-D5; D1 strongest, D3-D4 weakest,
D2 and D5 of approximately similar strength.
Siphonal canal short, broad, dorsally recurved at
tip (partially broken in both specimens examined),
narrowly open.
Operculum and radula unknown.
reMArks
ere are six known Recent species of Pazinotus
in the tropical Indo-West Pacic: P. brevisplendoris
(Houart, 1985), P. falcatiformis (iele, 1925),
P.kilburni (Houart, 1987), P. sibogae (Schepman,
1911), P. smithi (Schepman, 1911) and P. spectabilis
Houart, 1991. None of these is particularly close to
P. chionodes n. sp. except P. falcatiformis (Fig.2K,
L), which diers from P. chionodes n. sp. in having
a more triangular outline, a less expanded varical
ange, 5 lamellate varices on the last teleoconch
whorl, and in having a comparatively narrower
aperture.
Fig. 2. — A, B, M, Pazinotus chionodes n. sp.; A, B, New Caledonia, S Lansdowne Bank, EBISCO: stn DW2639, 20°47’S, 161°01’E,
289-294 m, holotype MNHN 24178, h 10.1 mm; M, protoconch of the holotype; C, D, N, Gemixystus calcareus n. sp.; C, D, Chestereld
Reefs, EBISCO: stn DW2603, 19°36’S, 158°43’E, 568-570 m, holotype MNHN 24180, h 5.4 mm; N, three views of the protoconch of
the holotype; E, Gemixystus stimuleus (Hedley, 1907), Australia, New South Wales, Sydney, 35 km E of Narrabeen, 146 m, holotype
AMS C25797, h 3.3 mm; F, Gemixystus rippingalei (Houart, 1998), Australia, Queensland, E of Lady Musgrave Island, paratype
coll. RH, h 3.7 mm; G, Gemixystus leptos (Houart, 1995), South New Caledonia, 230-290 m, coll. RH, h 5.1 mm; H, I, Ponderia magna
Houart, 1988, Coral Sea, Chestereld Plateau, EBISCO: stn DW2612, 19°35’S, 158°41’E, 392 m, MNHN, h 19.6 mm; J, Pazinotus
brevisplendoris Houart, 1985, Solomon Islands, SALOMON 1: stn DW1758, 8°49’S, 159°52’E, 180-187 m, MNHN, h 14.4 mm;
K, L, Pazinotus falcatiformis (Thiele, 1925), Solomon Islands, E Malaita, SALOMONBOA 3: stn CP2809, 09°19’S, 161°27’E, 788-1042 m,
MNHN, h 7.1 mm. Scale bars: M, N, 500 µm.

29
New species of Muricidae (Gastropoda) from the western Paci c
ZOOSYSTEMA • 2012 • 34 (1)
A B
D
C
F G
H
I
J
K L
M N
E

30
ZOOSYSTEMA • 2012 • 34 (1)
Houart R.& Héros V.
ReMArks
ese are the rst records of Ponderia magna since
its description. e coordinates and depth are quite
similar to those of the original material which was
also collected in the Coral Sea, Chestereld Reefs,
during the MUSORSTOM 5 cruise.
Subfamily
trophoninAe Cossmann, 1903
R
eMArks
e subfamily Trophoninae is polyphyletic, based
on molecular data, with the genus Leptotrophon
Houart, 1995 correctly placed in the Trophoninae
(Barco etal. 2010). However, Gemixystus Iredale,
1929 and Scabrotrophon McLean, 1996 have not
yet been included in phylogenetic analyses and
are here included conservatively in Trophoninae,
pending future phylogenetic study.
Genus Gemixystus Iredale, 1929
t
ype
species
(by original designation). — Trophon
laminatus Petterd, 1884, Recent, southeastearn Australia.
Apixystus Iredale, 1929 (type species by original designa-
tion: Trophon stimuleus Hedley, 1907, Recent, eastern
Australia).
ReMArks
Iredale (1929: 185) separated Gemixystus from Apixys-
tus because of their dierent protoconch morphology,
Gemixystus having an “angulate apex” compared to
the “smooth rounded apex” of Apixystus. However,
such dierences in Muricidae are now considered to
be a useful tool at the specic level only. e two taxa
were recognized as congeneric by Houart (2004).
Gemixystus calcareus n. sp.
(Fig. 2C, D, N)
type MAteriAl. — Holotype (dd) MNHN 24180.
M
AteriAl
exAMined
. — Only known from the holotype.
type locAlity. — Coral Sea, Chestereld Reefs, 19°36’S,
158°43’E, 568-570m [EBISCO: stn DW2603, Bouchet,
Lozouet, Warén, Richer-IRD coll., 18/X/2005].
Prototyphis gracilis Houart& Héros, 2008
(Fig. 4D, E)
Prototyphis gracilis Houart& Héros, 2008: 473, g. 7B-E.
type MAteriAl. — Holotype (dd) MNHN 20010.
new MAteriAl exAMined. — Coral Sea (new record).
EBISCO: stn DW2496, Capel Bank, 24°46’S, 159°43’E,
400-418m, 1dd (MNHN).
t
ype
locAlity
. — Fiji, Somosomo Strait, 16°45’S,
179°59’E, 416m [BORDAU 1: stn CP1394].
d
istribution
. — Coral Sea and Fiji, bathymetric range
unknown for living specimens, empty shells in 416-418m.
ReMArks
e shell collected in Coral Sea is considerably larger
than the 23.5mm holotype from Fiji, until now the
only specimen known. is specimen is 32.8mm high
with a badly broken siphonal canal. However, it has
one or probably 1.5 teleoconch whorls more than the
holotype, which explains this large size. It is otherwise
similar to the holotype although with a slightly weaker
axial sculpture on the last teleoconch whorl.
Genus Ponderia Houart, 1986
type species (by original designation). — Typhis zealandica
Hutton, 1873, fossil and Recent, New Zealand.
Ponderia magna Houart, 1988
(Fig. 2 H, I)
Ponderia magna Houart, 1988: 192, gs 11, 12, 20.
type MAteriAl. — Holotype (dd) MNHN 0210.
new MAteriAl exAMined (all MNHN). — Coral Sea.
EBISCO: stn DW2606, Chestereld Reefs, 19°36’S,
158°42’E, 442-443m, 2dd. — Stn DW2607, 19°33’S,
158°40’E, 400-413m, 1lv& 3dd. — Stn DW2609,
19°33’S, 158°40’E, 431-436m, 1 dd. — Stn DW2612,
19°35’S, 158°41’E, 392m, 1lv, 1dd (Fig. 2H, I).
t
ype
locAlity
. — Coral Sea, Chesterelds Reefs, 355m,
19°54’S, 158°38’E [MUSORSTOM 5: stn DC378].
distribution. — Coral Sea, Chestereld Reefs, living
in 392-410m, empty shells in 355-431m.

31
New species of Muricidae (Gastropoda) from the western Pacic
ZOOSYSTEMA • 2012 • 34 (1)
(Houart, 1998) from Queensland, Australia, and
Gemixystus stimuleus (Hedley, 1907), from south-
ern Queensland and Sydney, New South Wales,
Australia, type species of Apixystus.
Gemixystus calcareus n. sp. diers from the quite
similar G. stimuleus (Fig. 2E) in having a compara-
tively larger shell with twice as large a protoconch,
more numerous axial lamellae, 20 vs 11 or 12 on
last whorl and 16 vs 13-15 on penultimate whorl.
e spiral sculpture also diers, G. calcareus n. sp.
having P1-P5, ADP and MP on last teleoconch
whorl vs P1-P3 in G. stimuleus, which has no spiral
sculpture on the siphonal canal.
Gemixystus calcareus n. sp. also diers from G.rip-
pingalei (Fig. 2F) in having a comparatively larger
shell, G. rippingalei reaching only 4.4mm in height
and having a longer siphonal canal, a less spiny
shell and a dierent spiral sculpture morphology,
that is, a last whorl with closely spaced P1-P4 and
a smooth siphonal canal.
Finally, G. calcareus n. sp. diers from G.leptos
(Fig. 2G) in having a comparatively broader, but
otherwise similar protoconch, a less shouldered
and less spiny shell with more numerous axial la-
mellae, 20 vs 10 or 11 on 4th whorl and 16 vs 11
on penultimate whorl, while having fewer lamel-
lae on rst whorl, 8 vs 10 or 11 in G. leptos. e
spiral sculpture morphology also diers, G. leptos
having two broad, broadly spaced P1 and P2 and
two small, narrow, closely spaced P3 and P4. e
siphonal canal is smooth in G. leptos or with a very
shallow and narrow MP only.
Genus Leptotrophon Houart, 1995
type species (by original designation). — Leptotrophon
caroae Houart, 1995, Recent, New Caledonia.
Leptotrophon minirotundus
(Houart, 1986) n. comb.
(Fig. 3K)
Trophon (Trophonopsis) minirotundus Houart, 1986:
438, gs 4, 4a-b.
type MAteriAl. — Holotype (dd) MNHN 24616.
d
istribution
. — Known only from the Chestereld
Reefs at the type locality.
etyMology. — From Latin “calcareus”: chalk-white.
Description
Shell medium-sized for the genus, height 5.4mm,
height/width ratio 1.7. Broadly-ovate, lightly built,
lamellate. Subsutural ramp narrow, weakly sloping,
weakly convex. Shell entirely chalk-white.
Spire high with 1.6 protoconch whorls (Fig. 2N)
and 4.2 broad, weakly shouldered teleoconch whorls.
Suture of teleoconch whorls impressed, partially
obscured by small axial lamellae of following whorl.
Protoconch comparatively large, broad, weakly
acuminate with broad keel adapically, otherwise
smooth. Diameter 500µm. Terminal lip delicate,
thin, weakly curved.
Axial sculpture of teleoconch whorls consisting
of low, narrow, frilled lamellae, each with short,
broad, open spinelets occurring at crossings of
axial lamellae with spiral cords. Spines more con-
spicuous on P1. First whorl with 8 lamellae, 2nd
with 13, 3rd with 16 and 4th with 20. Apertural
lamella strongly erect, broad. Spiral sculpture of
low, broad, rounded primary cords: P1-P3 visible
on 1st to 3rd whorl with slightly visible, very nar-
row P2. P3 partially covered by following whorl.
Last teleoconch whorl with P1-P5, ADP, MP. P1-
P5 equidistant, P1 slightly larger, P2 narrow. ADP
and MP narrower, MP low.
Aperture broad, rounded. Columellar lip narrow,
smooth. Lip adherent at adapical extremity. Anal
notch obsolete. Outer lip strongly erect with ve
weak, elongate denticles within: D1-D5. D4 and
D5 narrower, more strongly elongate within. Sipho-
nal canal short, narrow, straight, open, with ADP
and MP and low axial lamellae over whole length.
reMArks
e genus Gemixystus was revised by Houart (2004)
and contains six fossil and eight Recent species.
None of the fossil species is closely related to the
new species and of the eight Recent species, only
three need to be compared here: Gemixystus leptos
(Houart, 1995) from southern Queensland, Aus-
tralia, to the Chestereld Reefs, Gemixystus rippingalei

32
ZOOSYSTEMA • 2012 • 34 (1)
Houart R.& Héros V.
extracting, mounting and scanning hundreds of muricid
radulae and shells for analysis of microsculpture.
Description
Shell medium sized for the genus, height 11.8mm,
height/width ratio 2-2.4. Slender, lanceolate, narrow,
nodose. Subsutural ramp broad, strongly sloping,
weakly concave. Shell entirely white.
Spire very high with 1.5 protoconch whorls
(Fig.3D) and ve angulate, narrow, shouldered,
nodose whorls. Suture weakly adpressed. Protoconch
large, broad, whorls rounded, smooth. Diameter (holo-
type) 900µm. Terminal lip shallow, weakly curved.
Axial sculpture of teleoconch whorls consisting
of low, broad, rounded varices, each with short,
blunt spinelets. First teleoconch whorl with 8 or
9varices, 2nd with 6-8, 3rd with 7 or 8, 4th and 5th
(last) with 7. Spiral sculpture of low, broad primary
cords. First to antepenultimate whorl with visible
P1 and P2, penultimate (4th) whorl with P1, P2
and P3; P3 partially covered with following whorl.
Last whorl with weakly dened IP, most conspicu-
ous on axial varices, P1, P2, s2, P3-P6, ADP, MP,
ABP, EABP1 (EABP2, EABP3) (Fig. 3C). Spiral
cords decreasing in strength and more closely spaced
abapically. Intersection of axial varices and spiral
cords with small, strong, blunt spinelets. P1 and
P2 with strongest spines. Other spiral sculpture
consisting of numerous, narrow striae.
Aperture small, ovate. Columellar lip narrow,
smooth, rim adherent. Anal notch shallow, broad.
Outer lip erect, smooth within. Siphonal canal short,
narrow, weakly dorsally recurved, open.
Operculum and radula unknown.
reMArks
e genus Leptotrophon currently includes 28 Recent
species, a majority of them (25) described from New
Caledonia and neighbouring localities. One species was
new MAteriAl exAMined (all MNHN). — New Caledo-
nia. BATHUS3: stn DW836, Norfolk Ridge, 23°02’S,
166°59’E, 295-306m, 1dd. — Stn DW838, Norfolk
Ridge, 23°01’S, 166°56’E, 400-402m, 1dd.
type locAlity. — New Caledonia, 22°30’S, 166°24’E,
250-350m.
distribution. — New Caledonia, bathymetric range
unknown for living specimens, empty shells in 306-400m.
reMArks
Examination of additional and more mature material
since the original description and comparison with
the type species and other species of Leptotrophon
leads us to place Trophon minirotundus in Leptotro-
phon based solely on shell characters. e species
has never been collected alive.
Leptotrophon wareni n. sp.
(Fig. 3A-D)
type MAteriAl. — Holotype (dd) MNHN 24181 and
3 paratypes (dd) MNHN 24182–24184.
type locAlity. — Solomon Islands, 8°16’S, 160°40’E,
570-756m [NO Alis, SALOMON 1: stn DW1772,
Bouchet, Dayrat, Warén& Richer-IRD coll, 28/IX/2001].
MAteriAl exAMined. — Solomon Islands. SALOMON1:
stn DW1772, 8°16’S, 160°40’E, 570-756m, 1dd,
holotype MNHN 24181. — Stn DW1824, 9°49’S,
160°56’E, 298-318m, 1dd, paratype MNHN 24182.—
Stn DW1825, 9°51’S, 160°58’E, 340-391m, 1dd,
paratype MNHN 24183. — SALOMONBOA 3: stn
DW2790, N Malaita, 8°19’S, 160°37’E, 314-586m,
1dd, paratype MNHN 24184.
distribution. — Solomon Islands, known only from
the four stations listed above, empty shells in 318-570m.
e
tyMology
. — Named in honour of Anders Warén
(Swedish Museum of Natural History, Stockholm),
in recognition of his collaboration over many years in
Fig. 3. — A-D, Leptotrophon wareni n. sp.; A, B, Solomon Islands, SALOMON 1: stn DW1772, 8°16’S, 160°40’E, 570-756 m, holotype
MNHN 24181, h 11.8 mm; C, spiral cords morphology; D, two views of the protoconch; E, F, Leptotrophon minispinosus Houart,
1995, New Caledonia, MUSORSTOM 4: stn DW184, 19°04’S, 163°27’E, 260 m, paratype coll. RH, h 11.1 mm; G, H, Leptotrophon
segmentatus (Verco, 1909), South Australia, 65 km S of Cape Wiles, 174-183 m, coll. RH, h 8.5 mm; I, J, Leptotrophon coralensis
Houart, 1995, Coral Sea, Chestereld Reefs, S Lansdowne Bank, EBISCO: stn CP2627, 21°04’S, 160°49’E, 711-736 m, MNHN,
h 7.3 mm; K, Leptotrophon minirotundus Houart, 1985, New Caledonia, BATHUS 3: stn DW836, 23°02’S, 166°59’E, 295-306 m,
MNHN, h 6.5 mm; L, M, Scabrotrophon inspiratum Houart, 2003; L, Solomon Islands, SALOMON 1: stn CP1781, 8°31’S, 160°38’E,
1036-1138 m, MNHN, h 36.4 mm; M, Solomon Islands, S Malaita, SALOMONBOA 3: stn CP2817, 9°55’S, 161°33’E, 1136-1750 m,
MNHN, h 38.9 mm. Scale bars: C, 1000 µm, D, 500 µm.

33
New species of Muricidae (Gastropoda) from the western Pacic
ZOOSYSTEMA • 2012 • 34 (1)
A
C
DEGF
IJ
K
L
M
H
B
EABP3
EABP2
EABP1 ADP
P6
P5
P4 P3 s2 P2 P1
MP
ABP

34
ZOOSYSTEMA • 2012 • 34 (1)
Houart R.& Héros V.
ReMArks
is is the rst record of Leptotrophon coralensis since
its description and the second known specimen. It
seems to be one of the rarest species of Leptotrophon
from New Caledonia. e coordinates and depth are
quite similar to those of the original material, which
was also collected in the Coral Sea, Chestereld
Reefs at 21°01’S, 160°57’E, in 650-660m. e
holotype and this additional specimen were both
dead collected. e additional specimen closely
matches the original description but due to its
broken siphonal canal is not as high as the holotype,
the height of which is 9.5mm.
Genus Scabrotrophon McLean, 1996
t
ype
species
(by original designation). — Trophon
maltzani Kobelt& Küster, 1878, northeastern Pacic.
Scabrotrophon inspiratum Houart, 2003
(Figs 3L, M; 5B)
Scabrotrophon inspiratum Houart, 2003: 87, gs 1, 3-7.
type MAteriAl. — Holotype (dd) MNHN 3632.
n
ew
MAteriAl
exAMined
(all MNHN). — Solomon
Islands (new record). SALOMON 1: stn CP1764, 8°37’S,
160°1’E, 1327-1598m, 1dd (juv.). — Stn CP1781,
8°31’S, 160°38’E, 1036-1138m, 1lv, 1dd (juv.) (Fig.
3L). — SALOMON 2: stn CP2189, SE Santa Isabel
Island, 8°20’S, 160°2’E, 660-854m, 1dd. — Stn CP2230,
N Choiseul Island, 6°28’S, 156°24’E, 837-945m, 1dd.
— SALOMONBOA 3: stn CP2817, S Malaita, 9°55’S,
161°33’E, 1136-1750m, 1lv (Fig. 3M).
t
ype
locAlity
. —
Vanuatu, 14°49’S, 167°15’E, NE
of Espiritu Santo Island, 1360m [MUSORSTOM 8:
stn CP1110].
distribution. — Vanuatu, dead collected in 1360m
and Solomon Islands, living specimens in 1136-1138m,
empty shells in 854-1327m. e present records extend
described from Indonesia, and another from Brazil.
Leptotrophon segmentatus (Verco, 1909) (Fig.3G, H)
from South Australia is here included for the rst
time in Leptotrophon, based on shell morphology.
Leptotrophon wareni n. sp. can be usefully com-
pared with only three species: L. segmentatus, L.co-
ralensis Houart, 1995 and L. minispinosus Houart,
1995. All other species dier in many distinct ways.
Leptotrophon wareni n. sp. diers from L. segmentatus
in having a narrower shell with a less acute spire, more
widely spaced and lower spiral cords, more numerous
and narrower spiral cords on the siphonal canal, and
an aperture with adherent inner lip, contrasting with
the widely aring lip of L. segmentatus.
It diers from L. coralensis (Fig. 3I, J) and L.mini-
spinosus (Fig. 3E, F), two species also with very high
spires, in having a more nodose, less shouldered
shell, broader axial varices, and in having more
numerous visible spiral cords on early teleoconch
whorls, L. coralensis and L. minispinosus having
only one visible spiral cord (P1) from 1st to 4th
teleoconch whorls in adult specimens, while the
subsutural ramp in these species is also broader
and more strongly sloping.
Leptotrophon coralensis Houart, 1995
(Fig. 3I-J)
Leptotrophon coralensis Houart, 1995: 483, gs 70, 71,
120, 121.
type MAteriAl. — Holotype (dd) MNHN 1022.
new MAteriAl exAMined. — Coral Sea. EBISCO: stn
CP2627, Chestereld Reefs, S Lansdowne, 21°04’S,
160°49’E, 711-736m, 1dd (MNHN).
t
ype
locAlity
. — Lansdowne-Fairway Ridge, 21°01’S,
160°57’E, 650-660m [CORAIL 2: stn DE14].
d
istribution
. — Coral Sea, Chesterelds Reefs, ba-
thymetric range for living specimens unknown, empty
shells in 660-711m.
Fig.4. — A, B, Murex (Promurex) protocrassus Houart, 1990, Coral Sea, Capel bank, EBISCO: stn CP2492, 24°44’S, 159°41’E, 285 m,
MNHN, h 63.1 mm; C, Murex (Promurex) spinicosta Bronn, 1831, Piacenza, Italy, Lugagnano, Lower Pliocene, coll. RH, h 33.2 mm;
D, E, Prototyphis gracilis Houart & Héros, 2008; D, Coral Sea, Capel bank, EBISCO: stn DW2496, 24°46’S, 159°43’E, 400-418 m,
MNHN, h 32.6 mm; E, Fiji, Somosomo Strait, BORDAU 1: stn CP1394, 16°45’S, 179°59’E, 416 m, holotype MNHN 20010, h 23.5 mm;
F-I, Murexsul merlei Houart & Héros, 2008; F, G, Coral Sea, S Lansdowne Bank, EBISCO: stn DW2640, 20°46’S, 160°58’E, 300-319 m,
MNHN, h 18.2 mm; H, two views of the protoconch; I, operculum. Scale bars: H, I, 500 µm.

35
New species of Muricidae (Gastropoda) from the western Pacic
ZOOSYSTEMA • 2012 • 34 (1)
AB
C
DEF
G
HI

36
ZOOSYSTEMA • 2012 • 34 (1)
Houart R.& Héros V.
Acknowledgements
e senior author is much indebted to Philippe
Bouchet (MNHN) for allowing him to study
the Muricidae collected during the expeditions
conducted by MNHN and IRD in the tropical
Indo-Pacic. We are also very grateful to Anders
Warén (Natural History Museum, Stockholm) for
radula preparation and SEM work on the radulae
and shell morphology and to
the reviewers Bruce
Marshall (National Museum of New Zeland, Te
Papa Tongarewa) and Marco Oliverio (La Sapienza
University, Roma).
anks are also due to Margaret N. Dykens,
San Diego Natural History Museum, California,
for the loan of the holotype and paratype of Pyg-
maepterys bellini.
its geographical distribution further north but also
provide information about the bathymetrical range of
living specimens.
ReMArks
e largest specimen examined was dead collected
and is 46.1mm high. e operculum and the radula
were also examined.
e operculum is light brown, strongly ovate with
an extreme apical nucleus. e radula (Fig.5B) is
trophonine with a short, broad central cusp and
a short lateral denticle with a weakly longer and
broader lateral cusp on each side. It is quite similar
to the radula of S. maltzani (Fig. 5C) and S. undo-
costata (Golikov& Sirenko, 1992) from the Kurile
Islands (Fig. 5D).
A
B
D
C
F
ig
. 5. — A, radula of Murexsul merlei Houart & Héros, 2008; B, radula of Scabrotrophon inspiratum Houart, 2003; C, radula of
Scabrotrophon maltzani (Kobelt & Küster, 1878), Alaska, Tutka Bay, intertidal, coll. RH; D, radula of Scabrotrophon undocostata
(Golikov & Sirenko, 1992), Kurile Islands, Simushir Island, 47°02’N, 152°15’E, 150 m, coll. RH. Scale bar: C, 100 µm.

37
New species of Muricidae (Gastropoda) from the western Pacic
ZOOSYSTEMA • 2012 • 34 (1)
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