Murichorda fiscellum
NameMurichorda fiscellum
Scientific NameMurichorda fiscellum
Common NameNo widely accepted common name
FamilyMuricidae
GenusMurichorda
Speciesfiscellum
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including areas such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and other Western Pacific localities.
Habitatsubtidal
Shell Shapefusiform
Average Size (mm)30-70 mm (can reach up to 80 mm)
Identifying FeaturesKey features include the shell's heavy sculpture of axial ribs and spiral cords, often forming nodules or spines, and the characteristic purplish interior of the aperture. The visible animal's intricate reticulated pattern on its mantle and foot is also distinctive.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Chemnitz, 1788)
Description
The image displays a living Murichorda fiscellum, a species of predatory sea snail, partially extended from its shell. The shell is robust and heavily sculptured with prominent axial ribs and spiral cords, giving it a nodulose or somewhat spiny appearance. Its exterior is camouflaged by a dense layer of epibionts, including green algae and pink coralline algae, which obscure its natural shell color, though a mottled light brown/grey base is discernible. The interior of the aperture exhibits a distinct purplish coloration. The animal's soft body is pale cream to white, adorned with intricate, fine, reddish-brown reticulated lines covering its mantle and foot, and features a prominent white siphonal canal.
