Murex africanus
NameMurex africanus
Scientific NameMurex africanus
Common NameAfrican Murex
FamilyMuricidae
GenusMurex
Speciesafricanus
Geographic DistributionWest Africa, including the coasts of Angola, Congo, Gabon, and Cameroon.
Habitatsubtidal
Shell Shapefusiform
Average Size (mm)50
Identifying FeaturesThe most distinctive features are the numerous long, sharp, hollow spines projecting from the three prominent varices on each whorl. It also has a remarkably long and straight siphonal canal, and fine spiral sculpture between the varices.
Raritycommon
Author CitationReeve, 1845
Description
An elongated, fusiform seashell characterized by its prominent, sharp, hollow spines arranged along three varices per whorl. The shell is a creamy white to light yellowish-brown color, with a long, straight siphonal canal. The aperture is ovate and white, and the overall appearance is highly ornate and spiny.
