Regal Murex
NameRegal Murex
Scientific NameHexaplex regius
Common NameRegal Murex
FamilyMuricidae
GenusHexaplex
Speciesregius
Geographic DistributionEastern Pacific Ocean, ranging from Baja California, Mexico, southwards along the coast of Central America to Peru.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapefusiform
Average Size (mm)100-200 mm (4-8 inches), with some specimens reaching up to 250 mm (10 inches).
Identifying FeaturesLarge size, heavy shell, numerous frilly and often black-tipped spines, and a striking pink or rose-colored aperture with a dark columellar patch. The three prominent, spiny varices per whorl are also characteristic.
Dietcarnivore
Raritycommon
Author CitationSwainson, 1821
Description
The Regal Murex is a large, heavy, and highly ornate marine gastropod shell, characterized by its striking appearance. The exterior is typically off-white to cream, adorned with numerous frilly, often black-tipped spines arranged in rows. The most distinctive feature is its large, oval aperture, which displays a vibrant pink to rose-red coloration internally, contrasting sharply with a prominent dark purplish-brown or black patch on the columella (inner lip). The shell has a moderately high spire and a well-developed siphonal canal.
