Nassarius reeveanus

Lore & Background

The species was originally described by Dunker in 1847 under the genus Buccinum. Over time, it has been placed in the genus Nassa and later Nassarius, reflecting taxonomic revisions within the family Nassariidae. The shell's alternating cream and black transversal bands are a distinctive feature noted in descriptions.

Nassarius reeveanus is found in the Indo-Pacific region and off the coast of Western Australia. It inhabits marine environments as a benthic gastropod. The species has been included in various faunal checklists and ecological studies, including work on subtidal epibenthic molluscan communities in Hong Kong.

Taxonomic uncertainty surrounds some species formerly considered synonyms of Nassarius reeveanus. A 2013 re-evaluation questioned earlier synonymies proposed by Cernohorsky and others, suggesting that several species previously lumped under this name may be distinct. This ongoing debate reflects the complexity of nassariid systematics.

Reader's Guide

Nassarius reeveanus holds significance as a well-documented member of the Nassariidae family, with its shell morphology and banded pattern making it recognizable among Indo-Pacific gastropods. The species has been referenced in taxonomic revisions and ecological surveys, including studies on anthropogenic impacts on marine communities in Hong Kong. Its inclusion in checklists of marine biota from the China seas underscores its presence in regional biodiversity assessments.

The taxonomic history of Nassarius reeveanus illustrates the challenges of species delimitation in the family Nassariidae. The 2013 re-evaluation by Kool highlighted that earlier synonymies, particularly those by Cernohorsky, may have been overly broad, and that several nominal species previously considered synonyms might warrant recognition as valid. This ongoing refinement of species boundaries contributes to a more accurate understanding of nassariid diversity.

In the context of marine malacology, Nassarius reeveanus serves as a case study in the importance of careful morphological and taxonomic analysis. Its presence in multiple historical collections and modern surveys provides a basis for comparing past and present distributions, though specific ecological data remain limited in the available literature.

Did You Know?

• The shell of Nassarius reeveanus ranges in size between 14 and 26 mm.
• It is patterned with alternating transversal bands of cream and black.
• The species is found in the Indo-Pacific and off Western Australia.
• A 2013 re-evaluation questioned whether several species considered synonyms of N. reeveanus are actually distinct.