Barythaerus | |
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Type specimen of Barythaerus biconvexus from the collections of Te Papa | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Mollusca |
Class: | Bivalvia |
Family: | Thraciidae |
Genus: | Barythaerus B. A. Marshall, 2002[1] |
Species | |
2 species (see text) |
Barythaerus is a small genus of marine bivalve molluscs of the family Thraciidae.[2][3] The genus is endemic to the waters off southern New Zealand.[3] Shells have been found at depths of 27–805 m (89–2,641 ft). Live specimens have been found from bryozoan and shell substrates at intermediate depths (55–183 m).[1]
There are two recognized species:[2]
Barythaerus are small bivalves, with the larger species (Barythaerus cuneatus) reaching 5.5 mm (0.22 in) in length. The shell is stout with a beak located in the posterior ⅓–¼ of the shell. Only the right valve has a prominent tooth. They resemble Parvithracia but are more stout and oblique.[1]
Barythaerus |
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