New species of Gabon – protologue of Latiaxis bernardi (Archival Copy)

The protologue provides a detailed account of Latiaxis bernardi n. sp., describing a solid, medium-small, turriculate shell reaching approximately 33 mm in height and composed of 7–8 whorls, including a two-whorl protoconch that is typically eroded in available specimens. Each teleoconch whorl bears a pronounced peripheral keel that expands into large, hollow, upward-curving spines—an immediately diagnostic feature for the species. The axial sculpture consists of about ten rounded, low ribs per whorl, evenly spaced and relatively modest in relief.

The spiral sculpture is composed of numerous beaded cords, finer and more densely arranged on the shoulder of each whorl. Below the main keel, spire whorls carry two strong spiral cords, while the body whorl displays around fifteen cords of varying strength; several of these support downward-curving spine-like processes that create the appearance of secondary carinae. Additional irregular spinose projections occur near the base and aperture where axial and spiral elements intersect.

The aperture is ovate, with the outer lip sharply inflected and finely crenulated by the external sculpture. The siphonal canal is short, open, and gently recurved dorsally, while the posterior canal is only weakly indicated. The umbilical region is narrow and effectively closed by a scaly margin. Shell coloration ranges from yellowish to fulvous, typically deepening toward the apex. According to the original material, the species inhabits subtidal shipwreck substrates near Port-Gentil, the designated type locality, with two further specimens recorded from Cap Esterias.