Nassarius concinnus

Lore & Background

The species was described in the mid-19th century during the French expedition to the South Pole and Oceania aboard the corvettes Astrolabe and Zélée, under the command of Dumont-d'Urville. The original description appeared in the atlas of natural history zoology by Hombron and Jacquinot, surgeons of the expedition. Later references include works on the marine biota of China seas, shells of the Hawaiian Islands, and a systematic revision of the family Nassariidae. The species has also been listed in studies of alien species in the Mediterranean Sea, though its native range is restricted to the South Pacific.

Reader's Guide

Nassarius concinnus is a representative of the diverse family Nassariidae, which includes many mud-dwelling scavengers. Its shell, reaching 16.8 mm, is typical of the genus in size and form. The species is known from Tahiti, French Polynesia, and has been included in regional checklists and identification guides for South African seashells, indicating its relevance to comparative studies of nassariid distribution. The species appears in literature on alien species in the Mediterranean, suggesting it may have been recorded outside its native range, though its primary significance lies in its role as a component of the Indo-Pacific nassariid fauna. The original description from the mid-19th century French expedition contributes to the historical documentation of Pacific marine biodiversity.

Did You Know?

• The shell of Nassarius concinnus attains a length of 16.8 mm.
• This species occurs off Tahiti, French Polynesia.
• It was described by Hombron and Jacquinot, surgeons on the Dumont-d'Urville expedition.
• The species belongs to the family Nassariidae, the nassa mud snails or dog whelks.