Limopsis paucidentata Dall, 1886

Limopsis paucidentata Dall, 1886 View in CoL stratum novum, revalidated ( Fig. 48 View Figure 48 B-D)

Limopsis aurita View in CoL : Dall, 1886: 237; Maury, 1920: 42; Poirier, 1954: 148; Rios, 1985: 211 (pl. 76, fig. 1072), 1994: 233 (pl. 81, fig. 1148), 2009: 477 (fig. 1341); Gofas et al., 2001: 206; Passos & Magalhães, 2011: 4; Janssen & Krylova, 2014: 56; Janssen, 2015: 18, 21 (figs. 31, 32); MolluscaBase (2024); Passos et al., 2024:28 (non Brocchi, 1814).

Limopsis aurita paucidentata Dall, 1886: 237 View in CoL (unfigured).

Type locality: Sta. 117, near Jamaica, 874 fathoms (1,598 m).

Material examined: BRAZIL. Rio de Janeiro; Campos Bay, off Campos dos Goytacazes , 21°48′S 40°30′W, ~ 100 m, MZSP 156267 View Materials , 1 View Materials spm ( R. V. Astromar, 22.i.2019) GoogleMaps .

Remarks: Limopsis paucidentata ( Fig. 48 View Figure 48 B-D) was previously regarded as a Recent Atlantic occurrence of the Italian (Mediterranean) fossil Limopsis aurita , originally described as Arca aurita by Brocchi in 1814 (pg. 485, pl. 11, fig. 9) ( Fig. 48A View Figure 48 ).In addition to significant differences in age and geographic distribution, the original illustrations ( Fig. 48A View Figure 48 ) depict a shell with distinct characteristics, including a more dorso-ventrally elongated shape, pronounced inflation, coarse concentric sculpturing, and a much more prominent umbo.

Even if there were errors in the initial designation of figures, and assuming that the correct figure is fig. 8, that particular shell also differs notably. It exhibits a more crenulated margin, a more symmetrical shape (in contrast to L. paucidentata ′s asymmetrical outline), and a hinge with a greater number of teeth.

Given these conchological differences, as well as the geographical and temporal disparities, the most appropriate taxonomic approach is to maintain L. aurita as a fossil species. This involves revalidating its synonym, identified as a subspecies by Dall, and recognizing it as a distinct full species.