Tanea

Tanea is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Muricidae, the murex snails or rock snails. This genus includes a number of species that are often brightly colored and have intricate shell patterns. They are found in a variety of marine habitats, from shallow water to the deep sea.

Common Names

Species in the genus Tanea are commonly known as murex snails or rock snails.

Characteristics

Snails in the genus Tanea are characterized by their distinctive shells, which are typically:

  • Conical in shape
  • Have a long, pointed spire
  • Are ornamented with spines, ridges, or other sculptural features
  • Can be brightly colored, often with intricate patterns

Environments

Tanea snails are found in a variety of marine environments, including:

  • Rocky shores
  • Coral reefs
  • Seagrass beds
  • The deep sea

References

For more information about Tanea, see these websites: