Genus Paradoxipoma new genus

Type species Paradoxipoma enigmaticum new species

Description. See description of Paradoxipoma enigmaticum, the sole member of the genus.

Remarks. At first sight specimens appear to be juveniles. They lack a well-developed outer lip and have fewer total whorls than most species. However, a weakly developed adult lip is apparent on the largest specimens. This genus gives every indication of being paedomorphic.

Other annulariid species also have a “juvenile” peristome when adult: Bonairea maculata (Baker, 1924) from the Netherlands Antilles and “ Choanopoma (Choanopomops) ” simplicistoma Solem, 1960, from adjacent Falcón State, Venezuela. Neither appear to be closely related to P. enigmaticum .

No live taken specimens are known. In all of the material examined, an operculum was found in only two dead, weathered specimens and both opercula were worn and incomplete.

Etymology. L. paradoxus, strange, contrary to expectation + L. - poma, door. The name is neuter.