Lanceolaria triformis – Unique Elongated Freshwater Mollusk from Hunan, China

This specimen originates from Hunan Province, China. Its most distinctive characteristic is its highly unusual and specialized morphology. The shell is extremely elongated, taking on a lanceolate or sword-like shape. It is heavily built, very solid and robust. The surface is typically a deep dusky brown to black in colour, smooth in texture, with fine and dense growth striae. In younger individuals, the posterior end may sometimes exhibit noticeable wrinkling or frilling, making this species stand out among other freshwater mollusks.