Morula coronata
NameMorula coronata
Scientific NameMorula coronata
Common NameCoronate Morula
FamilyMuricidae
GenusMorula
Speciescoronata
Geographic DistributionWidespread throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, Japan, the Philippines, and Australia.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)15-30 mm (can reach up to 40 mm)
Identifying FeaturesKey identifying features include its prominent nodulose or spiny sculpture, which gives the shell a 'crowned' appearance. It possesses a short siphonal canal and a robust, thick shell. The aperture often features denticles on the outer lip.
Raritycommon
Author CitationRöding, 1798
Description
Morula coronata is a small, robust marine gastropod belonging to the Muricidae family. Its shell is characterized by a biconical shape with a short spire and a wide body whorl, adorned with prominent axial ribs and spiral cords that form distinct nodules or spines, giving it a 'crowned' appearance. The shell color is highly variable, often appearing whitish, grey, brown, or reddish, sometimes with darker bands or blotches. The specimen in the image displays pinkish-red to purplish-brown hues, often encrusted with other organisms for camouflage. It is a predatory snail found in tropical Indo-Pacific waters.
