- Source: Barythaerus
Barythaerus is a small genus of marine bivalve molluscs of the family Thraciidae. The genus is endemic to the waters off southern New Zealand. Shells have been found at depths of 27–805 m (89–2,641 ft). Live specimens have been found from bryozoan and shell substrates at intermediate depths (55–183 m).
Species
There are two recognized species:
Barythaerus biconvexus (A. W. B. Powell, 1927)
Barythaerus cuneatus (A. W. B. Powell, 1937)
Description
Barythaerus are small bivalves, with the larger species (Barythaerus cuneatus) reaching 5.5 mm (0.22 in) in length. The shell is stout with a beak located in the posterior ⅓–¼ of the shell. Only the right valve has a prominent tooth. They resemble Parvithracia but are more stout and oblique.
