Prickly Purple
NamePrickly Purple
Scientific NameMorula spinosa
Common NamePrickly Purple
FamilyMuricidae
GenusMorula
Speciesspinosa
Geographic DistributionWidespread throughout the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from East Africa across to the Western Pacific Ocean.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)15-30
Identifying FeaturesRobust, turbinate-conical shell with distinct, blunt, conical spines arranged in spiral rows. The aperture has a smooth, white inner lip and a denticulate outer lip. Possesses a short siphonal canal.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(H. Adams & A. Adams, 1853)
Description
A small to medium-sized marine gastropod shell, characterized by its robust, turbinate-conical shape and prominent, somewhat blunt, conical spines or nodules arranged in spiral rows on the body whorl and spire. The shell typically exhibits a yellowish-brown to orange-brown coloration, often with darker brown or greenish patches, particularly on the spines or apex. The aperture is ovate, featuring a smooth, glossy white inner lip and a denticulate outer lip. A short siphonal canal is present at the base of the aperture. The shell surface may show signs of wear or encrustation by algae or other marine organisms.
