Vokesimurex ruthae is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Muricidae, the murex snails or rock snails.
Description & Characteristics
Vokesimurex ruthae is a medium-sized sea snail that is typically about 30 mm in length. It has a distinctive, elongated shell with a pointed spire. The shell is usually a pale brown color with darker brown markings. The aperture of the shell is oval-shaped and has a distinct siphonal canal. This species is commonly found in the intertidal zone. The shell is often covered in algae and other marine organisms.
Habitat and Occurrence
Vokesimurex ruthae is found in the intertidal zone of the Pacific Ocean. It is a common species in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Philippines to Australia. This species is known to occur in a range of marine zones, including the neritic zone, which is the area of the ocean extending from the shoreline out to the edge of the continental shelf. It is commonly found in rocky areas, often among seaweeds and other marine organisms.
Taxonomy
Vokesimurex ruthae belongs to the Class: Gastropoda, Order: Neogastropoda, and Family: Muricidae. The genus Vokesimurex contains a variety of species of sea snails, all sharing similar characteristics and evolutionary history.
Feeding
Vokesimurex ruthae is a carnivorous species. It uses its radula, a ribbon-like structure in its mouth with rows of teeth, to scrape algae and other organic matter from rocks and other surfaces.
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