A Global Mission

The mission of the Ocean Census is to accelerate the discovery of ocean life to advance fundamental science, empower conservation, and fuel innovation for the future of our planet.

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Gallery

Phylum

OC-SP-0002590

Stacked from 24 images. Method=B (R=8,S=4)

Stacked from 22 images. Method=B (R=8,S=4)

Species ID

OC-SP-0002590

Discovered

Phylum

Mollusca

Species ID

OC-SP-0002590

Provisional Species Name

Zafra sp_MNHN_IM_2000_40435

Lowest Valid Taxon Name in WoRMS

Zafra

Lowest Known Rank

Genus

Status

Discovered

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Embargo

No

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Mollusca

Class

Gastropoda

Order

Neogastropoda

Family

Columbellidae

Genus

Zafra

Taxonomic Remarks

This species can easily be distinguished from other Zafra by its carinated protoconch combined with its shouldered whorls and very high number of axial ribs.

Received All Minimal Data for Discovery

01/04/2026

Description of Material

Shell of average for the genus, adult size up to 2.8 mm; fusifom, elongate. Slightly shouldered whorls. Suture slightly impressed. Protoconch paucispiral, consisting of about 1.4-1.5 whorls and with a clear carina. Transition to teleoconch clearly visible. Teleoconch consisting of about 3.8whorls. Axial sculpture clearly present on all whorls, consisting of close set axial ribs with narrow interspaces. There are 17 of these ribs on the first whorl, increasing to 24 on the last whorl. Last axial ribs close to the aperture much stronger. Spiral sculpture absent, apart from the basal cords, which ventrally range to about the adapical end of the columella. Most adapical basal cords and axial ribs forming knobs on the intersections. Aperture typical for the genus: narrow and rather elongate, about 43% of shell height. Outside of outer lip thickened, with the continuation of the basal cords on the abapical end. Inside of outer lip with a weak sinus on the adapical end and very weak almost obsolete denticles. Columellar callus rather weak, not raised, with a thickened part at about the middle. Parietal callus weak. Siphonal canal short, open, slightly recurved. First teleoconch whorl starting pinkish, further on the teleoconch this fades fast to a more salmon color. Columella and aperture white. Protoconch pink. Height of holotype: 2.8 mm

Ecology

Direct developing species with paucispiral protoconch, so non planctotrophic larvae. Most likely endemic.

Distribution

MNHN SPANBIOS expedition: stn CP5221, 18°41,7’S, 163°06,1’E, 826-850m, 5 dd; stn DW5244, 17°59,3’S, 162°59,8’E, 723-727m, 3 dd (holotype incl).

Scientific Name Authorship

Monsecour, Kevin

Stacked from 24 images. Method=B (R=8,S=4)

Stacked from 22 images. Method=B (R=8,S=4)

Join the census

The Ocean Census Alliance unites national and philanthropic marine institutes, museums, and universities, backed by governments, philanthropy, business and civil society partners.