Conus
"pennaceus" (Moorea)
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As you all probably know,
Conus pennaceus (Born, 1778) is wide spread in the indian ocean.
Though, some Pacific localities can offer interesting specimens
of this enormous complex. In Hawaï for example, Conus pennaceus
is regulary found by local divers. It is a rare coneshell
though.
In Tahiti (Society-Tuamotu-Australes-Marquesas
archipelagos) we are supposed to have this specie. But some authors
prefer not to include Tahiti due to the low number of avialable
specimens.
Personnaly, i found Conus
episcopatus (Da Motta, 1982) &
Conus magnificus (Reeve, 1843) here.
And, i had the chance to get my hands on two specimens that are
not episcopatus for sure and are different from typical Conus
magnificus. As many collectors think, those too speciemens
could belong to Conus pennaceus complex. First, i
found a big one, and i always thought that it was Conus magnificus
special variation.
But several weeks ago, in the
same local spot, i found another specimen much smaller, looking
close to the other one. Of course, i wish i could find some
more ones. But two is really enough to confirm the presence Conus
pennaceus around Tahiti.
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