spiky Microcardium
Microcardium scabrosum
Microcardium scabrosum is a small deep water species with finely and densely spiked projections confined to the posterior half of the shell. It is confined to northwestern Australia in the Arafura Sea and north of WA. So far it is only known from a single valve. It is morphologically similar to M. gilchristi but that species has a west Indian ocean distribution. It is expected that these two taxa are sibling species.
Morphology
It is a small sized shell for the genus (11.9 mm length) with protruding umbones. It is equivalve, inflated, quite thin and square to ovate in shape. It has 110-130 radial ribs. The posterior sculptural area of this species is relatively wide extending to more than 1/2 of the shell length. There is a clear demarcation line between anterior and posterior sculptural areas, with markedly oblique to radial sculpture. One of the main shell features that differentiates this species from its likely sibling species, M. gilchristi, is the presence of strong interstitial granules with roughly conical shape, often extending over most of the width of the interstices. The interior and exterior of the shell are entirely white.
Evolution
Little is known about the relationship of this species to other members of the genus.
Behaviour
This species, like all cardiids, is shallowly infaunal and will reburrow if disturbed.
Method of reproduction
Broadcast spawner.
Habitat
Marine
Deep water infaunal in sand and silt
Distribution
It is presently known from deep water at the Sahul Shelf edge (depth range 100-218 m).
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Bivalvia |
| Subclass: | Heterodonta |
| Superorder: | Imparidentia |
| Superfamily: | Cardioidea |
| Family: | Cardiidae |
| Genus: | Microcardium |
| Species: | scabrosum |
| Name Published Year: | 2017 |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name Authorship: | Poutiers |
| Commercial Impact: | None |
| Conservation Assessment: | Least Concern |
Cite this page
Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/Microcardium-scabrosum
Accessed 28 Aug 2025
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