Magellanic Unicorn
NameMagellanic Unicorn
Scientific NameAcanthina monodon
Common NameMagellanic Unicorn
FamilyMuricidae
GenusAcanthina
SpeciesAcanthina monodon
Geographic DistributionSoutheastern Pacific Ocean, along the coasts of Chile and Peru, including the Magellan Strait region.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)30
Identifying FeaturesRobust, spirally ribbed shell; conical-turbinate shape; often possesses a prominent tooth or spine on the outer lip of the aperture (though not clearly visible in this image); strong sculpture of spiral cords.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Pallas, 1774)
Description
A medium-sized marine gastropod, the Magellanic Unicorn is characterized by a robust, conical to turbinate shell with prominent, somewhat flattened spiral ribs or cords. The shell surface often appears rough and can be partially covered by epibionts like algae, giving it a dull greenish-brown or greyish appearance. The apex is relatively pointed, and the sutures between the whorls are distinct. It is typically found attached to rocky substrates in shallow marine environments.
