Distinguishing Characteristics |
Gastropod (1 shell); shell spiral in shape, many straight spines in 6-10 radial rows (rows are called varices), spines made from folding shell, sometime with 2 tips (bifurcate); spines may be worn or broken; 6-8 indistinct whorls; spiraling ridges on whorls; shell color dirty white to gray, (tan to brown if periostracum is intact); aperture oval, outer margins crenulate (scalloped); inside aperture mainly white with some blotching; spire short; siphonal canal short, in older specimens may be completely enclosed, open only at the tip. |
Similar Species |
Other murexes have less rows of spines, usually the siphon canal and spire are more elongate. |
Habitat |
Gulf, shallow waters |
Maximum Size |
18.5 cm (7 1/4 in) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
Murex fulvescens |
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