“Epicodakia falklandica sp.n. (see p. 201, fig. 4, nos. 16,17,18)
OCCURRENCE: St. 51, Falkland Islands, 105-115 m; WS 214, Falkland Islands, 208-209 m; WS 216, Falkland Islands, 219-133 m; WS 219, Falkland Islands, 116-114 m; WS 766, north of Falkland Islands, 545 m (holotype); WS 783, Falkland Islands, 155 m.
DISTRIBUTION: Falkland Islands.
Shell small, ovate, inequilateral, beaks prominent, incurved. Antero-dorsal slope moderatelly concave, postero-dorsal slope rather less concave, anterior and ventral margins gently rounded, posterior margin slightly sinuate. Prodissoconch set well above adult shell surface, white and polished, sculptured with microscopic concentrics. Sculpture of rather widely spaced, rounded, solid, concentric ridges crossed by almost obsolete microscopic radials. On the anterior end much stronger radials are developed. A very weak fold runs from the beaks towards the posterior sinuation. Right valve with a single strong, rather irregular cardinal and a single strong anterior and posterior lateral. Left valve with two divergently set cardinals and two strong anterior and two strong posterior laterals. Valve margins bevelled, inner margins very finely crenulated. Ligament long and solid, set inside dorsal margin on a sunken pit. Colour creamy white, often stained with brown on anterior and posterior margins.
Length 2.6 mm; height 2.45 mm. Holotype, B.M. Reg. no. 1962857/1, St. WS 766; paratypes, B.M. Reg. nos. 1962858/1, St. WS 214; 1962859/1, St. WS 216; 1962860/1, St. WS 219; 1962861/2, St. WS 783; 1962862/2, St. 51.
The only two species previously ascribed to Epicodakia are the type-species consettiana Iredale from southern Australia and neozelanica Powell, from northern New Zealand. The occurence of a third species, which undoubtedly belongs to this group, from the Falkland Islands, would be rather surprising if it were not fairly obvious that other small lucinids from other areas undoubtedly belong to this group also. It may well be found that some species classed in Parvilucina may belong to Epicodakia. Certainly such a species as Parvilucina congoensis Thiele & Jaeckel would appear better placed in Epicodakia. At present therefore it is difficult to draw any biogeographical conclusions from the occurrence. Nothing approaching the genus has been recorded from southern South America previously.”
(Dell, 1964: 206-207)
