Size

Length: 5-12cm (2-5")

Recognition Characters

Ovate shell with elevated, conical spire. About 7 convex whorls; each whorl has 3 varices and 2-3 axial ribs between varices. Ribs and varices are crossed by numerous spiral cords and fine threads. No long spines. Outer lip slightly flared and toothed. Canal narrowly open with inside ending above outside.

Color

Dark to light brown with darker margins within striations of shell.

Habitat & Depth

On reefs, oyster beds, and seagrasses. Shallow water to 20m depth.

Distribution at GRNMS

Occasional. Found more often associated with shallower reefs.

Geographic Range

North Carolina south to Brazil, Gulf of Mexico

Behavior & Notes

It feeds primarily on the common eastern oyster by boring round holes into the shell. One of the most common murex snails along Florida and the West Indies.

Synonyms

Chicoreus pomum, Murex pomum

References

Ruppert and Fox 1988, Abbott 2001, Rehder 1981