Alcithoe larochei

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Alcithoe larochei
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Order: Sorbeoconcha
Family: Volutidae
Genus: Alcithoe
Species: A. larochei
Binomial name
Alcithoe larochei
Marwick, 1926

Alcithoe larochei is a large deepwater sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Volutidae, the volutes.

Contents

[edit] Range of distribution

This species is endemic to New Zealand. It is found along the east coast of the North Island south to the northern tip of the South Island, including many offshore islands.

[edit] Habitat

This volute is found at depths of between 55 and 620 m.

[edit] Shell description

This large solid shell is broadly fusiform with strongly convex outlines, a low spire, and a capacious body whorl. Sculpture is confined to weak axial riblets on the first three post nuclear whorls. There are four or five plaits, always very strong. The anterior notch is wide but quite deep and with a recurved edge, and there is no columellar callus plate.

The shell coloration is uniformly pale, dull pinkish-orange.

The shell height is up to 144 mm, and the width is up to 62 mm.

[edit] References