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
Taxonomy Classification
- Kingdom : Animalia
- Phylum : Mollusca
- Class : Gastropoda
- Order : Neogastropoda
- Family : Muricidae
- Genus : Chicoreus
- Species : Chicoreus virgineus
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.