Endive Murex Shell

The beautifully sculptured Endive Murex Shell has rows of frond-like spines along its length.

The rough sharp exterior of this shell gives way to a wonderfully smooth inner surface. Typically white to dark brown in colour they are often banded with alternating coloured fronds.

There are 700 known species in the Muricidae family of shells and they are noted for their unique shape and curving spines.

Typically feeding on bivalves, shrimp, and sponge among other creatures of similar size, they can be found in sand or mud flats, and on coral reefs.

When the spines are coated with sea moss, the shell may be completely camouflaged amid rocks or on reefs.

This species (hexaplex cichoreum) is common in the waters around Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines.

Size: approx  8-9 cm long   (3-3.5  inches)