Species ID
OC-SP-0003293
Discovered
Phylum
Mollusca
Species ID
OC-SP-0003293
Provisional Species Name
Lurifax_FKt250812-850-BB2-A_2
Lowest Valid Taxon Name in WoRMS
Lurifax
Lowest Known Rank
Genus
Status
Discovered
Does the taxonomist(s) intend to work on this material further?
3. I/We are not sure yet. This is of course no problem, we will display your species info (if not embargoed) while you work out your species description plan.
Embargo
No
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Mollusca
Class
Gastropoda
Family
Orbitestellidae
Genus
Lurifax
Date Identified
16/11/2025
Taxonomic Remarks
This species is assigned to the genus Lurifax based on its minute skeneimorph shell with a low trochiform to planispiral profile, wide umbilicus, and smooth to finely sculptured teleoconch. The shell differs from other described congeners by its relatively larger size (greater than 2 mm), broader umbilicus, and more rounded whorl profile. The outer shell margin shows a delicate fringe of periostracal extensions and fine growth lines. This combination of characters distinguishes it from other known species of Lurifax, although confirmation will require detailed examination of shell microstructure and radular morphology
Received All Minimal Data for Discovery
10/04/2026
Description of Material
Small gastropod with skeneimorph shell reaching approximately 2–3 mm in diameter. Shell thin, translucent, and planispiral to low trochiform with a wide open umbilicus. Whorls rounded and expanding regularly from the protoconch. Surface sculpture composed mainly of fine growth lines with weak spiral elements. The shell margin bears delicate periostracal fringes. Soft body translucent white to pale cream, with long cephalic tentacles clearly visible in living specimens
Ecology
Several living specimens were observed associated with siboglinid tubeworms (Lamellibrachia sp.) in a chemosynthetic habitat. The species appears to inhabit substrates surrounding tubeworm aggregations, likely exploiting microbial films or organic material typical of seep-associated communities
Distribution
Currently known from a deep-sea locality in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean at approximately 35.0449° S, 52.2741° W, at a depth of about 245–256 m.
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