What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to revise the taxonomy and classification of deep-water Coralliophilinae species based on shell morphology.

February 2, 2026Open Access

Some Coralliophilinae from the deep waters of the north Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, with a description of a new species from the Meteor Seamounts and the rediscovery of Pseudomurex perfectus

Key Points

The aim is to revise the taxonomy and classification of deep-water Coralliophilinae species based on shell morphology.
Conducted a systematic revision using historical and curated specimens from various collections.
Utilized comparative shell morphology and a homology framework for analysis.
Assessed morphological features such as teleoconch sculpture and siphonal canal structure.
Described a new species, Coralliophila meteorensis, from the Meteor Seamounts.
Clarified the taxonomy of Pseudomurex perfectus and its differentiation from other species.
Replaced the name Coralliophila lamellosa with Coralliophila oblita, establishing a stabilized nomenclature.

Abstract

This publication presents a conchology-based systematic revision of selected deep-water Coralliophilinae (Muricidae) from the North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, emphasizing taxa historically confused with Coralliophila squamosa and related morphotypes. The study is based on comparative shell morphology of historical expedition material and curated museum specimens, interpreted using a standardized spiral-cord homology framework (after Merle) and detailed assessment of teleoconch sculpture, axial ribbing, infrasutural ramp structure, and siphonal canal morphology. The revision refines taxonomy, distribution, and bathymetric ranges and stabilizes nomenclature through reassessment of historical type concepts. Treated taxa include Coralliophila squamosa (Bivona additional discussion addresses the morphology and taxonomic interpretation of Babelomurex benoiti (Tiberi, 1855). Material examined derives from numerous historical and modern oceanographic campaigns (TRAVAILLEUR, TALISMAN, HIRONDELLE, METEOR, SEAMOUNT, BIAÇORES) and institutional holdings from MNHN, NHMW, IRSNB, USNM, and other collections. No molecular dataset is presented; taxonomic conclusions are based on comparative shell morphology, type material evaluation, and homology-based sculpture interpretation. The work establishes a clarified morphological framework for deep-water Atlantic–Mediterranean Coralliophilinae and provides a stable baseline for future integrative (morphological + molecular) revision of bathyal and seamount faunas.

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