Fusus oblitus Reeve, 1847: Conchologia Iconica, Vol. IV, pl. VII, sp. 29.

Description

Extremely well figured by Kiener (1840: Coquilles vivantes, Canalifères, I, Fusus: 8-9, pl. VI, figs. 1) as an example of Fusinus nicobaricus (Röding, 1798). F. oblitus was sometimes considered a junior synonym of F. nicobaricus by early authors, but F. oblitus can be distinguished by the clearly broader, lower and smooth spiral cords, by the more slender spire, the larger number of whorls, the more ventricose body whorl, by the very slender siphonal canal, and finally by the vivid colouration and the conspicuously brown coloured narrow interspaces between the spiral cords.

Size

Up to 112 mm.

Range and habitat

Only known from Réunion (endemic). Found alive in sand at 12-20 m. Uncommon. (Reported by Drivas & Jay, 1998: The Fasciolariidae of Réunion. La Conchiglia, Yearbook 1998 (Suppl. 289): 35-36).

Discussion

Very nice and beautifully coloured species of uncommon occurence. Rare in collections.