Pseudoconopeum

A pseudoconopeum is a hyaline flap of silica lying along the apical axis, forming a cavity beneath it on the external valve face. A pseudoconopeum is present on each side of the raphe. Pseudoconopea are found only in some marine species of Mastogloia.

The proximal margin of a pseudoconopeum arises a distance from the raphe slit. By contrast, the proximal margin of a true conopeum arises at the edge of the raphe slit. The distal margin of a conopeum joins the valve face and the cavity formed is open at both ends. Striae on the floor of the cavity have fewer areolae than striae outside the cavity. Areolae or other ornamentation are present between the pseudoconopeum and the raphe.

Compared to lateral sterna, pseudoconopea do not join at the central nodule.

See also conopeum.