Relevant Synonyms Pectunculus arabicus (Adams A., 1871) [Moazzo, 1939] Misidentification -  photos: P. Pravlis / Goulandris Museum

SHORT DESCRIPTION Shell equivalve, almost equilateral. Outline subcircular with posterior margin subangular. Taxodont hinge strongly arched; up to 12 teeth anteriorly, up tp 14 teeth posteriorly. Sculpture of about 30 low ribs with narrow interspaces. All ribs incised by radial grooves. Inner margin crenulate. Periostracum bearing bristles. color : shell externally white with beige, brown to reddish-brown spots; internally usually with a dark brown-black posterior-ventral area. common size : shell to 30 mm. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The anterior margin is protruding, giving the shell a somewhat oblique shape. This distortion from circular, the infated shell and the small size are diagnostic features for the species. BIOLOGY / ECOLOGY Epifaunal, actively mobile, suspension feeders. habitat : shallow water sands (Oliver, 1992). In the Mediterranean dredged from a depth of 46 m.

1st Mediterranean record Israel, 1977 [1966]. DISTRIBUTION Worldwide: original distribution in the Western Indian Ocean, Red Sea: Gulf of Suez (Moazzo, 1939). Mediterranean: a single record in 1966 from Dor, Israel (Barash and Danin, 1977a). ESTABLISHMENT SUCCESS Known only from the original record; identification uncertain because of the somewhat damaged shell. speculated reasons for success : - MODE OF INTRODUCTION Possibly via the Suez Canal. IMPORTANCE TO HUMANS None.

KEY REFERENCES Barash A. and Danin Z., 1977a. Additions to the knowledge of Indo-Pacific Mollusca in the Mediterranean. Conchiglie, 13(5-6): 85-116. Oliver P.G., 1992. Bivalved seashells of the Red Sea. Christa Hemmen, Wiesbaden and National Museum of Wales, Cardiff, 330 p.   FEEDBACK / COMMENTS TO AUTHORS

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