TYPE DATA
2 paratypes in ANSP: 42605. Type locality: St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
DISTRIBUTION
An amphiatlantic species with presence in western Atlantic (from N. Carolina to N. Brasil and Caribbean Sea). In eastern Atlantic it is only reported from the Canary Islands. It has been found in several localities in the islands and seems to be more common in Lanzarote during the last 10 years. Anyway it is not a common species in the Eastern Canary Islands.
DESCRIPTION
From 60 to 70 mm. Shell medium high-spired. Sculpture formed by narrow axial riblets and flatted spiral cords with only one interstitial thread. There are distinct nodules in the intersections. Strong varices rounded with a deep groove in the adapertural side. Siphonal canal straight and rather long. Aperture narrow with a strong white plicae in the columellar wall and strong teeth in the outer lip. Operculum corneus almost subapical on lower side. Protoconch smooth of 3.5 to 4 whorls and with microscopic axial striae. Light periostracum with widely spaced hairs similar to C. parthenopeum but not so dense. Basic color white to pale cream with white teeth which differenciates it from C. corrugatum. There is a white band in the middle of the whorl. Animal with a pattern similar to C. corrugatum.
REMARKS
The first record in the Canary islands was reported by Garcia-Talavera. 1981. Since then the distribution has increased all over the islands with a well established, although scarce population. Its kind of larval development ease a wider distribution. It is usually found in rocky bottoms between 15-25 m.
The squatter form, the different periostracum and the lack of dark spots in the outer teeth distinguish it from C. corrugatum.