Chicoreus virgineus 

Chicoreus virgineus (Röding, 1798)

Chicoreus virgineus, also known as the virgin murex, is a type of marine gastropod mollusk belonging to the family Muricidae, which includes the murex snails or rock snails.

Current Status of Name :
This name is currently accepted taxonomically.

Rank : Species

Environment : Marine


Chicoreus virgineus

Description :

Shell Morphology:

  • Size: The shell length typically ranges from 4 to 8 cm (1.6 to 3.1 inches).
  • Shape: The shell is broadly ovate or fusiform in shape, with a high spire and a long, narrow aperture (opening).
  • Whorls: The whorls are convex and ornamented with spiral cords and rows of distinct, frilled or lamellar spines or fronds.
  • Aperture: The aperture is elongated and narrow, with a smooth inner lip and a thickened outer lip.
  • Siphonal canal: A long, narrow, and slightly recurved anterior siphonal canal is present.
  • Color: The shell color is highly variable, ranging from white, cream, or pale pink to shades of orange, brown, or reddish-brown, often with darker spiral bands or markings.

Anatomy:

  • Body: The body is elongated and muscular, with a large foot for locomotion.
  • Head: The head bears a pair of tentacles with eyes at their bases.
  • Proboscis: A long, cylindrical proboscis is used for hunting and drilling into prey.
  • Radula: The radula, a ribbon-like tongue with teeth, is used for grasping and drilling into prey shells.
  • Operculum: A horny or calcareous operculum is present, used to seal the aperture when the body is retracted.

Habitat and Distribution:

  • Chicoreus virgineus is found in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the western and central Pacific Ocean.
  • It inhabits coral reefs, rocky areas, and sandy bottoms in shallow coastal waters, typically at depths of up to 30 meters (100 feet).

Ecology and Behavior:

  • Chicoreus virgineus is a predatory species that feeds primarily on bivalve mollusks, such as oysters, mussels, and clams.
  • It uses its radula to drill a small hole through the prey’s shell and then inserts its proboscis to feed on the soft tissues.
  • The species exhibits a nocturnal hunting behavior, emerging from its hiding places at night to hunt.

Reproduction and Life Cycle:

  • Chicoreus virgineus is dioecious, meaning individuals are either male or female.
  • Reproduction occurs through internal fertilization, with males transferring spermatophores to females.
  • Females lay their eggs in protective capsules, which can contain hundreds or thousands of eggs.
  • The larvae undergo planktonic stages before settling and metamorphosing into juvenile snails.

Commercial Importance and Conservation Status:

  • Chicoreus virgineus is not a commercially significant species, but its shells are collected by shell traders and hobbyists.
  • The IUCN Red List has not assessed the conservation status of this species.
  • However, like many marine species, it may be threatened by habitat degradation, pollution, and overcollection in some areas.

Note: This description covers the key aspects of the virgin’s comb murex, including its taxonomy, shell morphology, anatomy, habitat, distribution, ecology, behavior, reproduction, commercial importance, and conservation status.

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