Black-spined Murex
NameBlack-spined Murex
Scientific NameMurex trapa
Common NameBlack-spined Murex
FamilyMuricidae
GenusMurex
Speciestrapa
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including areas from East Africa to Japan and Australia.
Shell Shapefusiform
Average Size (mm)50-100
Identifying FeaturesDistinguished by its numerous, long, sharp, and somewhat irregular spines arranged along the varices, and a long, spiny siphonal canal. The overall extremely spiny appearance is characteristic.
Raritycommon
Author CitationRöding, 1798
Description
A predatory marine gastropod characterized by its highly sculptured, spiny shell, often found camouflaged on sandy or muddy substrates. The image shows a living specimen on the seabed, demonstrating its natural camouflage.
