>Hi, James et. al. Another tidbit about name conus milneedwardsi -
>according to Peter Dance's Rare Shells, the shell was named by
>Jousseaume, 1894 but was so rare that it was renamed, upon the
>discovery of two new specimens ( found clinging to a marine
>cable south of Bombay) by Capt. Townsend - Conus clytospira by
>JC Melvill and R. Standen. This is described as a 'rediscovery'.
>The name replacement ( of clytospira by milneedwardsi) is
>acknowledged by Dance as a "clumsy, unattractive name" but
>necessary to do because of the earlier naming.
>
>Karen VV
 
It is interesting to know that the milneedwardsi was long known before its
description. It has beenfigured in some very old books and there is a
colour drawing by Favanne in a very rare publication.
In fact, in the 200-400 m zone  of the Indian ocean, the species is
dominant in many places. Several hundreds have been fished in the latest
years, as well in southern India as in Mozambique. In both areas, gems are
virtually impossible to get, the shells have growth scars everywhere. In
Reunion, they go up to 60-80 m and some have been taken by divers on the
slopes of this Island. Its large size, long spire and attractive pattern
assures its place as a top item in the conchological collectors world.
 
Guido
 
Visit Conchology, with over 50000 names with author, 3800 indicated type
species, 5000 conchological images, and fun with shells.
http://www.conchology.uunethost.be/
For Information on A Conchological Iconography
http://www.conchology.uunethost.be/go/iconography/index.html