Spondylus orstomi Lamprell & Healy, 2001

Raines, Bret & Huber, Markus, 2012, 3217, Zootaxa 3217, pp. 1-106 : 39

Spondylus orstomi Lamprell & Healy, 2001

Figures 18 C–F

Spondylus orstomi Lamprell & Healy, 2001: p. 120 , figs. 3 D–G.

Spondylus cf. orstomi Lamprell & Healy, 2001 — Raines, 2002: p. 35, fig. 42.

Spondylus orstomi Lamprell & Healy, 2001 — Huber, 2010: p. 220, figs. 3–4.

Material examined. Several single valves and fragments from EI (BK), plus the MNHN type material .

Diagnosis. Shell small to medium, elongate ovate, moderately thin, and inequivalve; auricles relatively small. Sculpture consisting of 12–16 well defined, low, rounded, primary radial ribs with 1–3 secondary riblets in the interstices. Both ribs and interstices covered in densely imbricated spines, with some spines occasionally being longer, thin and upright. Color variable from uniformly light brown, orange and bright yellow to maculations of orange and white.

Remarks. Since the first report of this species at EI by Raines (2002), more valves have been collected, so we can now confirm that the species is indeed S. orstomi .

Habitat. Occasionally found at several locations around EI, in sand and rubble, from 30–50 m.

Distribution. Although Spondylus orstomi was originally described from New Caledonia, this deep water species has a much wider distribution. It is known from the Coral Sea, Philippines, and off China. The maximum size currently known is 60.6 mm from its furthest range in the East China Sea (coll. MHU). It has not been recorded from the Hawaiian Islands, New Zealand or the Kermadec Islands— E4.