Northern New Caledonia morph (“ A. hilgendorfi richeri ”)

Figs 2 (as nNC), 5G–K

Material examined

Sequenced material

15 sequenced specimens (Table 1).

Not sequenced material

Material listed by Kilburn & Bouchet (1988).

Remarks

Shell large (SL up to 76 mm), somewhat similar to the morph from the Coral Sea, although adult shells are more slender and the callused carina is less developed. Upper anterior band with more defined, relatively narrow, median carina. Plication plate uniformly white. Smaller specimens are more ovoid in shape, with relatively more pronounced carina and uniformly convex upper anterior band; the upper part of plication plate can be yellowish. Upper whorls often have a purplish tint. Number of columellar ridges variable, 2 to 6, regardless of specimen size. First protoconch whorl diameter 0.80–0.84 mm (mean 0.83, n=5). Depth range 360– 750 m.