Hexaplex kuesterianus
NameHexaplex kuesterianus
Scientific NameHexaplex kuesterianus
Common NameKuester's Murex
FamilyMuricidae
GenusHexaplex
Specieskuesterianus
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific, including East Africa (e.g., Mozambique, South Africa) and Madagascar.
Habitatsubtidal
Shell Shapefusiform
Average Size (mm)50-100
Identifying FeaturesRobust, spiny shell with prominent axial varices; ovate, white aperture; distinct siphonal canal; dark, chitinous operculum visible in living specimens. The overall rugged and nodulose appearance is characteristic.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Tapparone Canefri, 1875)
Description
A robust, medium-sized marine gastropod shell, characterized by its broadly ovate-fusiform shape and prominent axial varices adorned with strong, often hollow, spines or nodules. The shell surface is typically rough, and the aperture is ovate with a distinct siphonal canal. The specimen in the image shows a living animal with a dark, chitinous operculum partially visible within the aperture.
