Common Name

"Bahia State Cone"

Status

Status disputed; according to M. Filmer and Tucker a synonym (form) of C. archetypus.

Type Locality

25 kms SW Abrolhos Archipelago, off Alcobaça, Bahia State, Brazil

Distribution

Southern Bahia State, Brazil; C. baiano is restricted to a single reef complex, with the red population distributed on the north part of the reef and the purple in the southern part of the reef.

Maximum Reported Size

32.9 mm

Description

Small to medium-sized shell. Spire concave-sided and elevated. Shoulder of the body whorl smooth. Body whorl slightly convex with 6-8 incised lines on the base. Apex pink-white to white, nucleus with 1 ½ to 2 whorls, fine ribs on the first whorls. Spire with 5 -7 whorls, with medium deep suture with white and brown dots, each whorl with 3-5 distinct spiral ridges crossed by many fine curved axial threads. Colour of the body whorl bright red with white marks and brown dots lines, sometimes dark purple-brown and white. Pink red aperture on red specimens or purple aperture on purple specimens.

Habitat & Habits

Lives on rubble and coral sand bottom at 10-25 m on offshore reefs.

Discussion

C. baiano is a member of the C. archetypus complex. The shell resembles those of C. bertarollae and C. abrolhosensis on regard to spire ridges, colour and patterns. C. baiano has a comparatively more elevated spire and brighter colouration. C. bertarollae and C. abrolhosensis have variable white and red spire, while C. baiano has white and brown marks in red background on the spire. No intermediate specimens were found.

References

• Strombus no. 011: p. 4, pl. 4, fig. A, pl. 12, figs. H1 & Pl 1-11, pl. 16, fig. F.