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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-0002572

Stacked from 36 images. Method=B (R=8,S=4)

Stacked from 26 images. Method=B (R=8,S=4)

Species ID

OC-SP-0002572

Discovered

Phylum

Mollusca

Species ID

OC-SP-0002572

Provisional Species Name

Retizafra sp_MNHN_IM_2000_40342

Lowest Valid Taxon Name in WoRMS

Retizafra

Lowest Known Rank

Genus

Status

Discovered

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Embargo

No

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Mollusca

Class

Gastropoda

Order

Neogastropoda

Family

Columbellidae

Genus

Retizafra

Taxonomic Remarks

This species is closest to R. zingiber Monsecour & Monsecour, 2016 with which it is found sympatrically. It differs from this species by its smaller adult size, its higher number of both axial and spiral ribs, the wider aperture, the lack of a columellar rim and a different color pattern.

Received All Minimal Data for Discovery

01/04/2026

Description of Material

Shell of average size for the genus, adult size up to 3 mm; fusifom with clearly rounded whorls. Semi-translucent. Suture slightly impressed. Protoconch paucispiral, consisting of about 1.3 smooth whorls. Transition to teleoconch clearly visible. Teleoconch consisting of 3.1 whorls. Axial sculpture of strong axial ribs on all whorls. About 17 ribs on the first teleoconch whorl to 21 ribs on the final whorl. The last axial rib close to the aperture is much stronger. Spiral sculpture of flattened cords with narrow interspaces on all whorls, which overrun the axial ribs. On the first teleoconch whorls these cords are rather obsolete. On the second teleoconch whorl these spiral cords are more visible, about 12 in number. On the last whorl about 19 of these cords are present, going over in the basal cords. Basal cords ventrally ranging to just above mid-columellar height. Aperturer rather wide, about 46% of shell height. Outside of outer lip with continuation of the basal cords. Inside of outer lip with a weak sinus on the adapical end and 4 denticles, diminishing in strength to the abapical end. Columellar callus thick, slightly raised, without denticulation. Parietal callus clearly present. Siphonal canal short, open. Teleoconch whorls off white with some irregular cream markings. The inside of the aperture in the base color. Columellar and parietal callus whitish. Protoconch white. Height of holotype: 2.8 mm

Ecology

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

Distribution

SPANBIOS expedition MNHN: stn DW5166, 18°40’S, 163°16’E, 556-577m, 3 dd; stn DW5167, 18°41,2’S, 163°15,9’E, 568-575m, 1 dd (holotype), 1 dd juv.

Scientific Name Authorship

Monsecour, Kevin

Stacked from 36 images. Method=B (R=8,S=4)

Stacked from 26 images. Method=B (R=8,S=4)

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