Spondylus pratii Parth, 1990
PARTH, M. 1990. Spondylus pratti, spec.nov., eine neue Art aus Somalia (Mollusca, Bivalvia, Spondylidae). Spixiana, 13 (1): 5-7, figs. 1, 2. [p. 5, figs. 1, 2]
1990 Spondylus pratii Parth, 1990
M. Prath, 1990, figures 1, 2.
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«Holotype. Somalia, Eing. Kat. Nr. 1851 (Zoologische Staatsammlung Miinchen). — Paratype. colI. Prati, Milano.
Locus typicus. Only known from the waters of Somalia, no other exact datas available. Derivatio nominis. I dedicate the new species in honour of my friend Alessandro Prati, Milan, Italy. Measurements. Width of holotype 13,5 cm, of paratype 14 cm (without spines).
Shape. Very large for the family, moderately heavy, triangularly shaped with unequal valves, the uppervalve more gibbous. Both valves similarly sculpturated, the six principal ribs bearing strong and upright, though towards the margin more depressed spines of various length, unfortunately on the holotype nearly all spines of the six principal ribs are broken, but the thickness of spines of the upper valve is evidence of longer spines than on the lower valve. Interstices wide with 3 to 5 minor ribs with smaller spines, the centre rib stronger than the others and its spines also longer. Colour. White with pink to reddish markings, especially on the umbonal area and the margins. Internally white with a white crenulated margin. No red or pink colouration in the inner surface of the shell. The area of attachment very small. Habitat. Of holotype and paratype dead coral. Discussion
Because of its big size SpondyIns pratii, spec. nov., can only by compared with some Brasilian forms of Spondylus americanus Herman, 1781, from which it mainly differs in the following characters:
a) The very fine hair-like and very spines on numerous ridges in the interstitial area in Spondylus pratii, while in Spondylus americanus the sculpture is generally smoother. In Spondylus pratii these very small spines in the interstices are slightly recurved backwards, while the longer spines of the principal ribs are recurved towards the margin. On the contrary, in some forms of Spondylus americanus the interstitial spines follow the same direction (toward the margin) of the longer spines of the pricipal ribs. b) The more depressed appearance of Spondylus pratii, especially of the under valve, which has a more elongate form than Spondylus americanus.» MANFRED PARTH, 1990
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