An other unusual bivalve from Mauritius

[conchylinet]

This time I am stuck with the specie below.
I cannot even place the family.

<img src="http://www.conchylinet.com/Images/Misc/4059.JPG" alt="http://www.conchylinet.com/Images/Misc/4059.JPG" style="border:0" />

It has been found dead while snorkeling a shallow lagoon. Size is 36mm.
Thanks again.  <span class="petit">--Last edited by conchylinet on 2008-07-23 14:17:37 --</span>

[rafael picardal]

Good day!

I think that could be a Periglypta clathrata, but still not sure..

Cheers!
Raffy

[conchylinet]

Thank Raffy, but I am afraid this one is not P. clathrata and not a Veneridae.
I got a few P clathrata from that place. It is different : different tooth pattern, more inflated, bigger and heavier.
That one is rather thin and light shelled.

[dave r]

Try looking in Lucinidae, the dentition looks like it could belong there.
Dave

[paul monfils]

Very similar to the Australian Semele lamellosa (Sowerby, 1830). I don't know if the range of that species extends to South Africa.

[conchylinet]

Thank you Dave, thank you Paul.
Paul, do you know if S. lamellosa is found in the temperate waters of Australia or in the tropical waters? If it is from the tropical area, then you might have the ID of it right (that specimen come from Mauritius, Tropical waters I guess).

[paul monfils]

According to Bivalves of Australia (Lamprell & Whitehead, 1992) the species is found from central queensland to the Northern Territory, which is the warmer part of the country.  The size listed is not as large as your specimen, but that of course can vary from place to place.  It may not be the same species, but it does look similar.

[conchylinet]

Ta Paul, That will do it.