''Chicoreus damicornis'', common name the long-horned murex, is a uncommon
species
In biology, a species is the basic unit of classification and a taxonomic rank of an organism, as well as a unit of biodiversity. A species is often defined as the largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of the appropriate s ...
of
sea snail, a marine
gastropod mollusk
Mollusca is the second-largest phylum of invertebrate animals after the Arthropoda, the members of which are known as molluscs or mollusks (). Around 85,000 extant species of molluscs are recognized. The number of fossil species is e ...
in the
family
Family (from la, familia) is a group of people related either by consanguinity (by recognized birth) or affinity (by marriage or other relationship). The purpose of the family is to maintain the well-being of its members and of society. Idea ...
Muricidae
Muricidae is a large and varied taxonomic family of small to large predatory sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks, commonly known as murex snails or rock snails. With about 1,600 living species, the Muricidae represent almost 10% of the Neoga ...
, the murex snails or rock snails.
Description
The size of an adult shell varies between 25 mm and 80 mm. Characterized by the
bifurcated tip on the longest shoulder spine. It coloration may vary it be may be uniformly white / fawn or with distinct spiral brown bands.
Distribution
This subtidal marine species is found along Southeast
Australia living in moderately deep water around -30~250m.
References
* GE Radwin, A D'Attilio, ''Murex shells of the world: an illustrated guide to the Muricidae''; Stanford Univ Press, 1976
External links
Sea shells of New South Wales: ''Chicoreus damicornis'' ; accessed: 25 June 2011*
Gastropods described in 1903
Chicoreus
{{Muricinae-stub