Studies in Canarium urceus (Linné, 1758) Part 2: Strombus anatellus Duclos, 1844, Strombus crassilabrum Anton, 1839, Strombus incisus Wood, 1828 and Strombus ustulatus form laevis Dodge, 1946 (Neostromboidae: Strombidae)

Many valid species can hide buried within prior taxonomic revisions. These need to be examined before the taxonomist embarks on the challenging task of naming new taxa. In this study we re-examine the synonyms complied by Abbott (1960) under Canarium urceus (Linné, 1758), examining each taxon for morphological clarity and distinctiveness. After considering the written descriptions and type material in light of prior revisions, we suggest that there are three valid species buried within the C. urceus synonymy of Abbott. All three species can be differentiated from C. urceus in general form, being less equi-triangulate and lacking the strong shoulder knobbing of that species. In addition, all three species are distinguishable by their distinctive aperture colouration. Canarium urceus possesses a typically black aperture, Canarium anatellum (Duclos, 1844) can be differentiated by its typically uniformly red/orange aperture, while Canarium incisum (Wood, 1828)is recognisable by the typically orange columella and outer lip, and a more triangular form. Strombus ustulatus form laevis Dodge, 1946 is the classical well-known form from the Philippines and elsewhere that is recognisable by its white columella. As the name laevis was preoccupied, we have renamed the species Canarium esculentum nomen novem. We assessed Strombus crassilabrum Anton, 1839 to be a nomen dubium. Further, our revision provides an improved hypothetical framework for the evolution and radiation of this most adaptable and variable of organisms, through increased clarity, and the re-circumscription of hitherto described taxa with distinctive morphotypes and separate biogeographical ranges.