Müller, 1906
Diagnosis
Carapace subrectangular, with sculpturing of diamond-shaped striae (C. mamillata Habitus 1, C. mamillata Habitus 3). Rostrum well developed. Postero-dorsal corner of both valves developed into spines, sharp on the right valve and blunt on the left. The left process carries the opening of left asymmetrical gland. Right asymmetrical gland opening on another large blunt process at mid-height on posterior margin.
In female, frontal organ over twice the length of the first antenna (C. mamillata 1) whereas, in the male, the capitulum is large and down-turned (C. mamillata 3). Male, first antenna "e" seta armature a double row of fine hair-like spines (C. mamillata 4).
Remarks
The process on the posterior edge carrying the right asymmetrical gland gives this species an instantly recognisable profile. However, Deevey and Brooks, 1980 found two size forms off Bermuda, the smaller of which they described as C. nanomamillata (Conchoecia nanomamillata). Poulsen, 1973 attributed this species to Claus' genus Paraconchoecia but, like many of the species he placed in this genus, it fits poorly within Claus' original concept.
Distribution
Known from all oceans, in the Atlantic 48°N-56°S. It is usually taken at depths >1250m, 1 (R.R.S. Discovery Map).
Type specimens
None designated; status of original material uncertain.
Type locality
Original material described from 56°S-29°N in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.