Topaginella

Taxobox
name = Topaginella
fossil_range = Miocene
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Mollusca
classis = Gastropoda
subclassis = Orthogastropoda
superordo = Caenogastropoda
ordo = Sorbeoconcha
subordo = Hypsogastropoda
infraordo = Neogastropoda
superfamilia = Muricoidea
familia = Cystiscidae
subfamilia = Cystiscinae
genus = "Topaginella"
genus_authority = Laseron, 1957

"Topaginella" is a genus of minute fossil sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Cystiscidae. Like all of the related genera, this are sometimes still classified in the family Marginellidae.

This genus is extinct.

(Note: Gastropod taxonomy has been in flux for more than half a century, and this is especially true currently, because of new research in molecular phylogeny. Because of all the on-going changes, different reliable sources can yield very different classifications.)

hell description

Shell minute, pyriform, strongly narrowed anteriorly; spire low; lip thickned, strongly denticulate; external varix probably absent (needs to be confirmed); distinct axial costae present; siphonal notch absent; columella multiplicate, with combined total of usually 8 plications plus parietal lirae.

Type species of the genus "Topaginella"

"Marginela octoplicata" Tenison-Woods, 1877 †; OD (M)

Remarks: The type species sems to be unique (a monotypic genus). The multiplicate columella and lack of a siphonal notch place it near "Cystiscus", but the pyriform shape, exserted spire, denticulate lip, and fine axial costae render it distinct.

Fossil record

This genus is known from the Miocene of Australia.

mollusc-stub