Alvania macella Gofas 2007

Type of larval development: direct (non planktotrophic) denoted by paucispiral protoconch.

Shell 2.0- 2.6 mm high, with protoconch of 1.3 to 1.5 whorls and teleoconch of 2.75 to 3.25 whorls. Protoconch smooth, teleoconch with a sculpture of narrow, widely separated axial ribs, crowded spiral threads, a distinct spiral cord continuing the suture on the body whorl, and some indistinct cords on the abapical area. Outer lip with a thin edge somewhat flaring but not thickened externally, smooth inside. Inner lip thin, overhanging a distinct umbilical chink. Shell white, translucent. This species resembles Alvania stenolopha Bouchet & Warén, 1993 to the point that these specimens could be considered within intraspecific variability, were it not that both species occur sympatrically on Atlantis and differ consistently in being more slender, in having less pronounced spirals abapically and in lacking the spiral threads on the protoconch.

Atlantis seamount, endemic, common at 1340 m.