Talochlamys zelandiae

Lore & Background

Talochlamys zelandiae is a marine bivalve mollusc belonging to the scallop family Pectinidae. Its distribution is limited to littoral depths, ranging from 0 to 40 meters, off the coast of New Zealand and the Chatham Islands. The species is referenced in multiple taxonomic works, including those by Powell, Hertlein, Finlay, and Fleming, which document its nomenclature and occurrence in the region.

Reader's Guide

Talochlamys zelandiae is a species of marine bivalve mollusc in the scallop family Pectinidae, known from New Zealand and the Chatham Islands. Its presence at littoral depths (0–40 m) is documented in several scientific references, including Powell's New Zealand Mollusca and works by Hertlein, Finlay, Fleming, and Dijkstra & Marshall. The species is included in checklists of New Zealand living Mollusca and Cenozoic Mollusca, indicating its recognized status in regional biodiversity inventories. Its common name, fan shell, reflects its typical scallop morphology. The species has been part of taxonomic discussions, with changes in nomenclature noted by Hertlein in 1931. Its significance lies in its representation of New Zealand's marine bivalve fauna and its inclusion in foundational malacological studies of the region.

Did You Know?

• Talochlamys zelandiae is commonly called the fan shell.
• It occurs at littoral depths of 0–40 m off New Zealand and the Chatham Islands.
• The species belongs to the scallop family Pectinidae.
• It is referenced in Powell's New Zealand Mollusca and other taxonomic works.