Santa Rosa Murex
NameSanta Rosa Murex
Scientific NameMurexiella santarosana
Common NameSanta Rosa Murex
FamilyMuricidae
GenusMurexiella
Speciessantarosana
Geographic DistributionEastern Pacific Ocean, specifically off the coast of California, including the Channel Islands (e.g., Santa Rosa Island).
Habitatsubtidal
Shell Shapefusiform
Average Size (mm)15-30 mm
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, fusiform shape, relatively long and straight siphonal canal, and a sculpture of axial ribs and spiral cords that often form nodules or short spines. The aperture is ovate. The worn state in the image still shows the characteristic overall murex form.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Dall, 1905)
Description
A small, light-colored, and somewhat eroded gastropod shell, likely a beach-worn specimen. It exhibits a fusiform shape with a prominent, relatively long siphonal canal and a wide aperture. Traces of nodular or spiny sculpture are visible, characteristic of murex shells, though significantly smoothed by wear. The shell is held in a human hand, indicating its small size. A small, circular drill hole, likely from a predatory snail, is visible on the body whorl.
