Dentalium malekulaensis Scarabino 2008, n. sp.

Figs 1b-c, 2c

TYPE MATERIAL. — Holotype (lv) MNHN 20067 and 2 paratypes (dd) MNHN 20068-20069.

TYPE LOCALITY. — Malekula island, Vanuatu, 16°16’S, 167°21’E, 360-419 m [MUSORSTOM 8: stn DW 1065].

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — Loyalty Ridge. BATHUS 3: stn DW Vanuatu. MUSORSTOM 8: stn CP 1065, Malekula Island, 794, Mont J, 23°48’S, 169°49’E, 751-755 m, 1 dd (paratype 16°16’S, 167°21’E, 360-419 m, 1 lv (holotype MNHN 20067) MNHN 20069). and 1 dd (paratype MNHN 20068).

DISTRIBUTION. — Loyalty Ridge and Vanuatu, live in 360-419 m, shells down to 755 m.

DESCRIPTION. — Shell up to 27 mm long, slightly curved, yellow. Twelve primary ribs at apex, secondary ribs start near apex and other ribs start a little further anteriorly, reaching 48 in number at anterior aperture. Ribs high, angled. Intercostal spaces and rib surfaces sculptured with fine longitudinal striae, crossed by dense growth lines. Section star-like throughout. Apex slightly dorsoventrally depressed, with heavy protruding callus, with U-shaped lumen corresponding to V-shaped notch in ventral side of shell.

Measurements of holotype: L 27, W 2.6, w 0.9-1.0.

REMARKS. — Compared with Dentalium pluricostatum, the other species in the area with a similar rib scheme, D. malekulaensis is smaller, has more ribs (12 vs. 9) with sharper angles and all reach the anterior aperture.

ETYMOLOGY. — Named after the type locality.