Muricanthus radix
NameMuricanthus radix
Scientific NameMuricanthus radix
Common NameBlack Murex
FamilyMuricidae
GenusMuricanthus
Speciesradix
Geographic DistributionEastern Pacific Ocean, ranging from Baja California, Mexico, south to Peru.
Habitatsubtidal
Shell Shapefusiform
Average Size (mm)70-120
Identifying FeaturesDistinguished by its heavy, spiny shell with numerous frond-like, dark-tipped axial lamellae. The strong contrast between the white shell body and the dark spines, along with the white aperture, are key identifying characteristics.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Gmelin, 1791)
Description
A robust and spiny marine gastropod shell, characterized by its heavy structure and prominent, frond-like axial lamellae. The shell's exterior is predominantly white or cream, starkly contrasted by dark brown to black spines and frills, especially along the outer lip and axial ridges. The aperture is ovate and typically white, leading to a moderately long, recurved siphonal canal.
