Pegusa
Pegusa is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Muricidae, the murex snails or rock snails. The genus is currently known to include only one species, Pegusa fasciata, commonly known as the “banded murex”.
Common Names
Pegusa fasciata is also known as the "banded murex", "banded rock shell", or "striped murex".
Characteristics
Species in the genus Pegusa are characterized by their distinctive shells, which are typically elongated and conical with a pointed spire. The shells are often adorned with prominent longitudinal ribs and intricate spiral sculpture. The aperture of the shell is typically narrow and elongated, and the siphonal canal is long and slender. The outer lip of the aperture is often thickened and may have a series of denticles. The color of the shell can vary greatly, but it is often a combination of brown, white, and orange. The shells of Pegusa fasciata are particularly striking, with bold bands of alternating colors that run longitudinally down the shell.
Environment
Pegusa species are typically found in shallow, rocky intertidal areas and subtidal zones. They are often found clinging to rocks and algae, where they feed on a variety of small invertebrates.
References
* World Register of Marine Species* iNaturalist* NCBI Taxonomy