Manupecten nolani

Lore & Background

Manupecten nolani was described by Tiziano Cossignani in 2022 and is treated as an accepted species by MolluscaBase/WoRMS. The shell is medium-sized for the genus, fan-shaped with an elongated, subtriangular outline and a rounded distal margin. The valves lack prominent ribs and bear approximately 80 very dense radiating striae. External coloration is reddish fawn-brown with whitish zig-zag flammules. Auricles are strongly asymmetric, with the anterior auricle about twice the posterior; the right anterior auricle bears a byssal notch. The interior is porcelain-white; the hinge is toothless; the inner margin is crenulated due to longitudinal grooves. Soft parts were not evaluated in the original description.

The species was reported from Punta de Teno (Tenerife) and Lanzarote (Canary Islands), at 10–15 m depth. The specific name nolani was dedicated to Nolan Sero, grandson of Jean Pierre Vezzaro, who provided the material studied.

Reader's Guide

Manupecten nolani is significant as a recently described species that adds to the known diversity of the genus Manupecten in the family Pectinidae. Its description in 2022 from the Canary Islands highlights ongoing taxonomic discoveries in marine bivalves. The shell's distinctive features—such as the dense radiating striae, strongly asymmetric auricles, and toothless hinge—help distinguish it from related species. The species is accepted by MolluscaBase/WoRMS, indicating formal recognition in the taxonomic community. Its known distribution is limited to two locations in the Canary Islands at depths of 10–15 m, suggesting a restricted range that may be of interest for conservation or biogeographic studies. The dedication of the specific name to Nolan Sero, grandson of the provider of the studied material, reflects a common practice in taxonomy of honoring contributors. As soft parts were not evaluated, future research may focus on anatomical or genetic characterization to further understand its biology and relationships within the genus.

Did You Know?

• Manupecten nolani was described in 2022 by Tiziano Cossignani.
• Its shell has approximately 80 very dense radiating striae and lacks prominent ribs.
• The species is known only from Punta de Teno (Tenerife) and Lanzarote in the Canary Islands.
• The specific name nolani honors Nolan Sero, grandson of Jean Pierre Vezzaro.