Gooday, 1981
Diagnosis
Carapace in lateral aspect elongate, tapering anteriorly so maximum height at about 3/4 length (C. fowleri Habitus 1, C. fowleri Habitus 3). Posterior end symmetrically rounded. In ventral aspect the carapace is relatively narrow and sub-parallel. Antero-ventral margin of each valve blunt. Left asymmetrical gland lies 12-15% of length behind rostrum. First antenna of male "e" seta consists of 12-15 pairs of proximally pointing spines (C. fowleri 4). In a few specimens these spines may alternate.
Remarks
Like all the species in this group or genus the species are extremely difficult to distinguish without experience or extensive comparable material. C. fowleri is most similar to C. discoveryi (Conchoecia discoveryi) but its carapace tapers more and its posterior end is less clearly upturned. The left asymmetrical gland opens closer to the rostrum in C. fowleri.
Distribution
In the North Atlantic, this species is particularly abundant at latitudes 18°-60°N, but is less so towards the equator. The centre of its vertical range is 400-700m, but its full bathymetric range is 400- 1250m. Mesopelagic. All oceans. 60°N-35°S. 1, 2, 3 (R.R.S. Discovery Map).
Type specimens
Holotype dissected male on slides British Museum (Natural History) No. 1979.695. Paratypes two dissected females BM(NH) 1979.696-697, and undissected 18 females and 21 males (BM(NH) 1979.746-755).
Type locality
Discovery Station 7711 haul 32, 52°54.7'N, 20°12.67'W; depth 605-700m; date 22-23 May 1971; 2249-0049h; gear RMT 1.