About Buccinastrum deforme (P.P.King, 1832)
This is a description of the species Buccinastrum deforme, originally described by P.P.King in 1832. The shell size of Buccinastrum deforme varies between 23 mm and 70 mm. Its ovate shell is smooth and ventricose. The spire is made up of six slightly convex whorls. The body whorl is very large and slightly canaliculated. Shell color is most often deep violet, and is frequently yellowish ash; a small white band borders the base of each whorl of the spire. A large grayish white band also appears at the base of the entire shell. Longitudinal whitish lines can be seen on some specimens; these lines are vestiges of previous growth additions to the shell. The aperture is large and ovular. The columella is strongly arched, and a yellowish callosity runs along its entire length. The outer lip is reddish brown on its inner side. This species is distinct from other related species in its globular shell shape and deep violet base color. Some specimens have a more elongated spire, and paler violet shells may have darker internal bands. One darker band appears on the upper whorls, and two broader darker bands appear on the lowest whorl. This marine species is distributed along the coast from Uruguay to Argentina.
