Austromitra aikeni: Diagnosis
Shell fusiform, whorls convex, suture impressed. Columella with four pleats decreasing in strength towards the base. Main sculpture consists of flattened axial ribs. Fresh specimens translucent milky white with white spiral row of dashes below suture. Size up to 12mm in length.

Description
Shell broadly fusiform in shape, whorls convex, suture impressed and weakly channelled, protoconch domeshaped measuring 0.57mm in diameter, a/I 0.40mm, w/l 0.40mm. Inner lip smooth, rarely with sparse lirae, columella with four pleats progressively decreasing in strength towards the base. Sculpture of about 14 flattened axial ribs on body whorl, ribs extend from suture to suture except around base which is smooth except for few spiral grooves. Microscopic spiral grooves are also present around the periphery of body whorl. Aperture with small posterior notch. Translucent milky white when fresh with subsutural spiral row of opaque white dashes on ribs. Protoconch glossy milky white. Maximum length about 12mm.
Range & Habitat : Off Port Alfred at a depth of 60 to 80 meters.