Murex tribulus

Murex tribulus, also known as the Caltrop murex, is a species of large predatory sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Muricidae, the rock snails or murex snails.[1]

Murex tribulus
A shell of Murex tribulus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Mollusca
Class:
Gastropoda
(unranked):
clade Caenogastropoda
clade Hypsogastropoda
clade Neogastropoda
Superfamily:
Muricoidea
Family:
Muricidae
Genus:
Murex
Species:
M. tribulus
Binomial name
Murex tribulus
Synonyms

Description

The shell of Murex tribulus can reach a length of 65–160 millimetres (2.6–6.3 in). This quite common snail has a shell with a very long siphonal canal and numerous very long, fragile and acute spines, providing protection against predators. It feeds on other mollusks.

Distribution

This species is widespread from Central Indian Ocean to Western Pacific Ocean.

References
  1. Bouchet P. & Rocroi J.-P. (Ed.); Frýda J., Hausdorf B., Ponder W., Valdes A. & Warén A. 2005. Classification and nomenclator of gastropod families. Malacologia: International Journal of Malacology, 47(1-2). ISBN 3-925919-72-4. ISSN 0076-2997. 397 pp. - ConchBooks: Hackenheim, Germany.
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