Duplex Murex
NameDuplex Murex
Scientific NameHexaplex duplex
Common NameDuplex Murex
FamilyMuricidae
GenusHexaplex
Speciesduplex
Geographic DistributionEastern Atlantic Ocean, primarily off the coast of West Africa, including countries like Senegal, Mauritania, and Cape Verde.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapefusiform
Average Size (mm)70-150 mm, with some specimens reaching up to 200 mm.
Identifying FeaturesThe most distinctive features are the numerous, highly sculptured, frilly, and sometimes spiny axial varices (usually 6-7 per whorl) that give the shell a rugged appearance. The pinkish aperture is also a good identifier. The siphonal canal is relatively short and open.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Röding, 1798)
Description
A robust, medium to large-sized predatory sea snail shell, commonly known as the Duplex Murex. Its fusiform shape is adorned with striking, frilly, and often spiny axial varices that run along the whorls, giving it a rugged and ornate appearance. The exterior coloration varies from light brown to grayish-tan, often with darker brown accents, while the interior of the aperture displays a delicate pale pink to whitish-pink hue. This species is native to the Eastern Atlantic, inhabiting sandy and muddy bottoms where it preys on other mollusks.
