Zafra fijiensis, Monsecour & Raines, 2024

Monsecour, Kevin & Raines, Bret K., 2024, New species and genus of Columbellidae (Gastropoda: Buccinoidea) from the Western Pacific, Zootaxa 5514 (4), pp. 353-367 : 362-363

Zafra fijiensis sp. nov.

Figures 4 I–L

Type Material. Holotype LACM 3851 , 1 Paratype LACM 3852 , 2 Paratypes CKM, all from type locality; 1 Paratype LACM 3853 , 2 Paratypes MNHN-IM-2018-1783 , 2 Paratypes MSF fa182 , all from Fiji, Taveuni Island at 20 m deep.

Type Locality. Fiji, Beqa Island , 18.3304 o S, 178.1396 o E, 13–14 m deep.

Distribution. Only known from the type locality and from Taveuni Island at 20 m deep.

Description. Shell of average size for genus, up to 3.1 mm; fusiform, elongate. Protoconch paucispiral, of 1.4– 1.5 smooth whorls. Transition to teleoconch clearly visible. Teleoconch of 3.2–3.6 whorls, slightly convex; suture slightly impressed. Axial sculpture of about 18–20 strong oblique ribs, wider than interspaces. Spiral sculpture obsolete on early whorls; subsutural cord becomes visible on latter whorls, extending to just above mid-apertural height. Aperture narrow, 46–49% of shell height. Outer lip slightly thickened, with continuation of basal cords abapically. Inside with sinus on adapical end and 7–8 partially fused denticles, diminishing in strength toward abapical end. Columellar callus with pronounced sharp edge, with rim of partially fused denticles. Parietal callus thick. Siphonal canal short, open, slightly recurved. Teleoconch whorls yellowish with darker yellow-brown flames, clearly present white subsutural spiral band and white basal cords. Protoconch off-white to cream with brown nucleus. Aperture and columella off-white. Radula not studied. Height of holotype: 3.0 mm.

Remarks. Zafra fijiensis is similar to Zafra obesula ( Hervier, 1900) (figs 4 M–N), but Z. fijiensis is smaller, has a paucispiral protoconch and lower number of teleoconch whorls.

Etymology. Latin adjective formed from the type locality, Fiji.

Figures

FIGURE 4. A–H, Speirazafra wakensis sp. nov.; A–B, Holotype. LACM 2722, 3.6 mm; C–D, Paratype 1. LACM 2723, 3.5 mm; E–F, Paratype 2. MNHN-IM-2018-1782, 3.2 mm; G–H, Paratype 3. CKM, 3.7 mm; I–L, Zafra fijiensis sp. nov.; I–J, Holotype. LACM 3851, 3.0 mm; K–L, Paratype 1. LACM 3852, 3.1 mm; M–N, Zafra obesula (Hervier, 1900), French Polynesia, Raiatea, Hotopu’u, CKM, 3.8 mm.