A revision of the Chilodontidae(Gastropoda: Vetigastropoda: Seguenzioidea)of southern Africa and the south-western Indian Ocean

Abstract

All species of Chilodontidae known to occur in the south-western Indian Ocean are discussed (27 species, of which eight new, belonging to nine genera, of which three new). Keys to genera and species are provided. Observations on protoconch form, shell microsculpture, radula morphology, operculum shape and external anatomy are given, together with summary biological observations. The genus Agathodonta Cossmann, 1918 is not considered to be applicable to the extant species for which it has been recently used and a new genus is proposed for these living forms. Type specimens of a number of extralimital species examined for comparative purposes are illustrated.