Anomalodesmata (Bivalvia) from the Surinam shelf, the Caribbean region

The present paper records 11 taxa of Anomalodesmata (Poromyidae, Cuspidariidae, Verticordiidae) from Surinam and adjacent waters. One taxon (Cardiomya surinamensis) was previously known from the area, and two ( Cuspidaria luymesi and C. altenai) are new species. The total distribution of the taxa is outlined. Comparison with the Anomalodesmata of Saba Bank is made. Verticordia acuticostata is amphi-Atlantic, V. ornata is amphi-American. The material comprises 269 samples from 95 stations, and consists of 27 live-collected specimens and some 2000 detached valves. The scarcity of live specimens may be due to the turbid water and the movement of bottom sediment.