West Indian murex
NameWest Indian murex
Scientific NameChicoreus brevifrons
Common NameWest Indian murex
FamilyMuricidae
GenusChicoreus
Speciesbrevifrons
Geographic DistributionWestern Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Florida, and extending south to Brazil.
Habitatsubtidal
Shell Shapefusiform
Average Size (mm)70-150
Identifying FeaturesThe most distinctive features are the three prominent, frond-like varices per whorl, adorned with numerous long, hollow, and often branched spines. These spines give the shell a very 'frilly' or 'thorny' appearance. The overall robust and spiny nature of the shell is characteristic.
Raritycommon
Author CitationLamarck, 1822
Description
The West Indian murex, *Chicoreus brevifrons*, is a large, predatory sea snail known for its strikingly ornate and spiny shell. It is a common species found in the Western Atlantic and Caribbean, prized by collectors for its intricate sculpture.
