Murex pecten, commonly known as the “comb murex,” is a species of predatory sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Muricidae. This species is distinguished by its intricate and beautiful shell, which features a series of prominent, comb-like ridges.
Description & Characteristics
The shell of Murex pecten is typically a creamy white color with brown or reddish-brown markings. It exhibits a pointed, elongated shape with a long, slender spire. The most striking feature of the shell is the presence of numerous, closely spaced, comb-like ridges that run along the length of the whorls. These ridges are often ornamented with fine spines or tubercles. The aperture of the shell is oval and has a pronounced siphonal canal. The shell size varies greatly depending on the individual specimen, with the average length ranging from 50 to 100 mm. Some larger individuals can reach up to 150 mm in length.
Habitat and Occurrence
Murex pecten is typically found in shallow coastal waters, predominantly inhabiting rocky reefs and tide pools. This species prefers areas with moderate wave action and abundant food sources. Its distribution is concentrated along the Pacific coast of North America, extending from Alaska to California. The species is particularly common in the intertidal zone and can also be found in subtidal environments down to depths of approximately 200 meters. Murex pecten is classified as a stenohaline species, meaning it has a limited tolerance to salinity changes. It thrives in marine environments, particularly in the Neritic zone, which encompasses the coastal waters extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
Murex pecten belongs to the Class Gastropoda, the largest and most diverse class within the phylum Mollusca. It is further classified within the Order Neogastropoda, which comprises a group of predatory sea snails that possess a distinctive radula, a specialized feeding structure. The family Muricidae, to which Murex pecten belongs, is a diverse group of predatory snails that are known for their often-ornate and spiny shells.
Feeding
Murex pecten is a carnivorous species that feeds primarily on other mollusks, particularly barnacles, mussels, and other snails. Its feeding strategy involves using its radula, a ribbon-like structure covered in rows of teeth, to scrape and tear away flesh from its prey. The species uses its strong foot to pry open the shells of its prey, then inserts its proboscis, a long, flexible tube, into the opening to access the soft tissues inside.
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