Revised descriptions of New Zealand Cenozoic Mollusca from Beu and Maxwell (1990)

Genus Parvamussium Sacco, 1897

(Pl. 51a): Parvamussium aucklandicum (Zittel, 1864); GS9730, Q8/f9828, Holland's Point, Pakaurangi, Kaipara Harbour (Otaian) (left valve).

(Pl. 51b): Parvamussium aucklandicum (Zittel, 1864); GS9730, Q8/f9828, Holland's Point, Pakaurangi, Kaipara Harbour (Otaian) (left valve).

(Pl. 51f): Parvamussium aucklandicum (Zittel, 1864); GS9730, Q8/f9828, Holland's Point, Pakaurangi, Kaipara Harbour (Otaian) (right valve).

Beu & Maxwell (1990): Chapter 17; p. 374; pl. 51 a,b,f.

Synonymy: Ctenamusium Iredale, 1929; Variamussium Sacco, 1897

Classification: Propeamussiidae

Description: Height typically 3.5-7 mm, some species much larger, subcircular, right ears unequal with a well-developed byssal notch in anterior ear. Sculpture typically discrepant, right valve of most New Zealand species with fine commarginal ridges, left valve of most species more strongly sculptured, with radial costae or costellae in addition to commarginal ridges. Interior with prominent radial costae in both valves.

Comparison: Parvamussium differs from Propeamussium (Pl. 27e) in its typically smaller size and more circular shape, and in having a distinct byssal notch. Most records of the genus are from moderately deep water (outer shelf or bathyal) assemblages. Modern species of Parvamussium are carnivorous on small crustaceans.

Distribution: Kaiatan-Recent, New Zealand; widespread, probably cosmopolitan, recorded from Late Cretaceous-Recent.

Cite this publication as: "A.G. Beu and J.I. Raine (2009). Revised descriptions of New Zealand Cenozoic Mollusca from Beu and Maxwell (1990). GNS Science miscellaneous series no. 27."
© GNS Science, 2009
ISBN 978-0-478-19705-1
ISSN 1177-2441
(Included with a PDF facsimile file copy of New Zealand Geological Survey Paleontological Bulletin 58 in CD version from: Publications Officer, GNS Science, P.O. Box 30368 Lower Hutt, New Zealand)

References

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