Biology:Murex tribulus

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Short description: Species of gastropod

Murex tribulus
Muricidae - Murex tribulus.JPG
A shell of Murex tribulus
Scientific classification
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M. tribulus
Binomial name
Murex tribulus
Synonyms

Murex tribulus, the caltrop murex, is a species of large predatory sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Muricidae, the rock snails or murex snails.[1]

Description

The shell of Murex tribulus can reach a length of 65–160 millimetres (2.6–6.3 in). This quite common snail has a shell with a very long siphonal canal and numerous very long, fragile and acute spines, providing protection against predators. It feeds on other mollusks.

Distribution

This species is widespread from Central Indian Ocean to Western Pacific Ocean.

References

  1. Bouchet P. & Rocroi J.-P. (Ed.); Frýda J., Hausdorf B., Ponder W., Valdes A. & Warén A. 2005. Classification and nomenclator of gastropod families. Malacologia: International Journal of Malacology, 47(1-2). ISBN:3-925919-72-4. ISSN 0076-2997. 397 pp. - ConchBooks: Hackenheim, Germany.

Wikidata ☰ Q1257150 entry