Abstract

A new monotypic genus, Turneroconcha, is established for T. magnifica (Boss & Turner) which was originally assigned to the genus Calyptogena Dall. The distinguishing morphological characters of the new genus are the combination of both conchological and anatomical features including: the presence of only two tooth elements in the right valve; submerged location of the posterior part of the posterior lamellar ligament layer; the absence of a subumbonal pit, lunular incision, escutcheon and pallial sinus; the presence of both pairs of demibranchs; the tubular structure of marginal parts of the interlamellar septa in gills; an inner valve of the inhalant siphon without processes; tentaculate inner mantle fold 3 and a Z-shaped digestive tract. Analysis of morphological data on Recent and fossil pliocardiines shows that Turneroconcha gen. nov. can be presently considered as a monotypic genus. The comparative morphological analysis of the new genus with described pliocardiine genera is consistent with available molecular results. Turneroconcha gen. nov. is endemic to the East-Pacific Rise and Galapagos Rift and occurs at water depths of 2251 to 2791 m. It is the only pliocardiine genus known so far with a mainly epifaunal life habit. No fossils of Turneroconcha gen. nov. are known.