Favartia salmonea
NameFavartia salmonea
Scientific NameFavartia salmonea
Common NameSalmon Murex (or a general murex snail)
FamilyMuricidae
GenusFavartia
Speciessalmonea
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including areas such as the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, and parts of the Western Pacific.
Habitatsubtidal
Average Size (mm)15-30 mm
Identifying FeaturesDistinctive frilly or spiny axial varices, often with a somewhat flattened shell profile. Intricate lamellar sculpture on the varices. Oval aperture and a relatively short siphonal canal. The overall robust yet ornate appearance is characteristic.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Melvill & Standen, 1899)
Description
Favartia salmonea is a species of small predatory sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Muricidae, the murex snails or rock snails. The shell is characterized by its muriciform shape, featuring prominent, often frilly or spiny axial varices (ribs) that give it a somewhat compressed or flattened appearance. The sculpture is intricate, with lamellar or fimbriated varices. The aperture is oval, and the siphonal canal is relatively short. While the specimen in the image appears bleached white, live shells are typically noted for their vibrant salmon-pink, orange, or reddish-brown coloration, sometimes with darker markings.
