Family FUSTIARIIDAE
Compiler and date details
Kevin L. Lamprell, Queensland Museum, Brisbane, Australia John M. Healy, Center for Marine Studies, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Introduction
This recently created family (Steiner 1991) includes Dentaliida with thin, slender, translucent to almost transparent shells. A long, extremely fine slit is usually developed apically, but may be absent in some individuals. Steiner differentiates fustiariids from all other Dentaliida by the flattened superior edge of the rachidian (central) tooth and features of the posterior mantle margin (lacking a ventral bolster of connective tissue). Two fustiariid species are recorded from Australia, one apparently limited to moderately deep water (F. caesura), the other occurring frequently in very shallow water (F. stenoschizum). Specimens lacking the fine slit may be confused with Laevidentaliidae. However, the slender and translucent to almost transparent nature of fustiariid shells are useful distinguishing features of this family.
Although the Australian fossil species Dentalium (Episiphon) tornatissimum Tate, 1899 was referred to Fustiaria by Ludbrook (1959), the absence of a thin slit and presence of strong, raised annulations suggest that it may belong in the Omniglyptidae.
General References
Ludbrook, N.H. 1959. Revision of the Tate molluscan types—Scaphopoda. Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 82: 141-149 pls 1-2
Steiner, G. 1991. Observations on the anatomy of the scaphopod mantle, and the description of a new family, the Fustiariidae. American Malacological Bulletin 9: 1-20
History of changes
| Published | As part of group | Action Date | Action Type | Compiler(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12-Feb-2010 | (import) |