Murex trapa Röding, 1798
Murex trapa, is also known as rare-spined murex(common name) , is a type of sea snail belonging to the Muricidae family, commonly referred to as rock snails.
Current Status of Name :
This name is currently accepted taxonomically.
Rank : Species
Environment : Marine
Taxonomy Classification
- Kingdom : Animalia
- Phylum : Mollusca
- Class : Gastropoda
- Order : Neogastropoda
- Family : Muricidae
- Genus : Murex
- Species : Murex trapa
Murex trapa
Description :
Shell Morphology:
- Medium to large sized shell, typically 6-10 cm in length
- Thick, solid shell with a high conical spire
- Aperture is oval and elongated with a long, partially closed siphonal canal
- Outer lip is thickened and bears 5-7 long, hollow, curved spines
- Shell surface is covered in spiral rows of rounded knobs/nodes
- Color is whitish, cream or pale pinkish, some specimens with brown markings
Soft Body Anatomy:
- Large muscular foot
- Long extensible proboscis used for feeding
- Two cephalic tentacles with eyes at their base
- Siphon used for respiration
Habitat and Ecology:
- Found in tropical marine environments of the Indo-West Pacific
- Lives in intertidal and subtidal zones on rocky or coral rubble areas
- A predatory gastropod that drills holes in bivalve shells to feed
- Sedentary as an adult, moves by muscular foot when young
Reproduction and Life Cycle:
- Males and females release gametes into water for external fertilization
- Planktonic veliger larvae develop before settling and metamorphosing
- Life span is uncertain, likely several years
Distribution:
- Native range spans the Indo-West Pacific region
- From East Africa, Red Sea, across Indian Ocean to Japan, Southeast Asia, Australia
Significance:
- Highly prized and valuable species in the shell collecting trade
- Shell used to produce a purple dye of historical importance
- Ancient civilizations used the dye for royal robes and garments
- Subject of overharvesting in some areas for the shell trade
With its elaborate spiny shell and ability to produce a rare purple dye, the Precious Murex has been a highly sought-after species for millennia. While prized by collectors, its restricted distribution also makes it vulnerable to overexploitation in parts of its Indo-Pacific range.