Muricidae

Muricidae, commonly known as murex snails, rock snails, or oyster drills, are a large and diverse family of predatory sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the superfamily Muricoidea. They are found in all the world’s oceans and are known for their often spiny, colorful, and elaborately sculpted shells. They are one of the largest families of marine gastropods, comprising over 1,500 species.

Favartia brazieri

Vexillum Rock Shell, Vexillate Jopas, Ribboned Jopas – Vexilla vexillum

Vokesimurex ruthae

Vokesimurex rubidus

Vokesimurex cabritii

European Sting Winkle, Oyster Drill – Ocenebra erinaceus

Xanthochorus cassidiformis

Purple Dye Murex – Bolinus brandaris

Boreotrophon clathratus

Boreotrophon pedroanus

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Characteristics

Muricidae are typically medium to large-sized snails with strong, conical shells. The shells are often ornamented with spines, nodules, or ribs, and the aperture (opening) is usually elongated and narrow. Many species have a siphonal canal, which is a long, narrow extension of the aperture. The operculum, which is a horny or calcareous plate that covers the aperture, is often absent or reduced in Muricidae.

Muricidae are carnivorous and typically feed on other mollusks, crustaceans, and worms. They use their radula, a ribbon-like structure with rows of teeth, to drill through the shells of their prey. Some species, such as the oyster drill (Urosalpinx cinerea), are considered pests because they can damage oyster beds.

Environments

Muricidae are found in a variety of marine environments, including:

  • Rocky shores
  • Coral reefs
  • Seagrass beds
  • Mudflats
  • Deep-sea environments

They can be found in both shallow and deep water, from the intertidal zone to depths of over 1,000 meters.

References

For more information about Muricidae, see the following websites: