Fronded Murex
NameFronded Murex
Scientific NameChicoreus frondosus
Common NameFronded Murex
FamilyMuricidae
GenusChicoreus
Speciesfrondosus
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including East Africa, Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Western Pacific.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapefusiform
Average Size (mm)50-100
Identifying FeaturesThe primary identifying feature is the presence of three prominent, frond-like, foliated varices on each whorl, which are covered with numerous leafy projections and spines. The siphonal canal is moderately long and often spiny.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Linnaeus, 1758)
Description
This entry describes the Fronded Murex, *Chicoreus frondosus*, a species known for its elaborate shell ornamentation. The provided image, however, depicts a smaller, more simply sculptured gastropod shell, likely a different species of muricid or a juvenile, which lacks the characteristic elaborate fronds of a mature *Chicoreus frondosus*. The shell in the image is a light pinkish-orange, fusiform, with spiral ribs and a relatively wide aperture, found among beach detritus.
