Notes on South African marine Mollusca. 4. A new variety of Pecten sulcicostatus

In February, 1961, the late Mr. J. S. HUTT of Fort Alfred drew my attention to a peculiar variety of Pecten sulcicostatus G. B. Sowerby II, 1842, in his collection. A careful examination revealed it to be an undescribed variety of the species, considered worth naming on account of its characteristic features. Pecten sulcicostatus occurs along the SE coast of South Africa from False Bay (vide BARNARD and False Bay check list) to Port Alfred; it has been trawled at depths from 25-45 fathoms. SOWERBY (1892) referred to a record from the Natal coast by DUNKER; very probably this is erroneous. Odd valves may be found on the beaches, though never very common and mostly in pour condition.