Apple Murex (also known as the Pink-mouthed Murex or Branch Murex)
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Neogastropoda, Family: Muricidae, Genus: Phyllonotus, Species: Phyllonotus pomum · Muricidae (Rock Snail or Murex family) · Gastropod (univalve sea snail), whole spiral shell with rounded body whorl and distinct siphonal canal
Species
Phyllonotus pomum
Shell Type
Gastropod (univalve sea snail), whole spiral shell with rounded body whorl and distinct siphonal canal
Family
Muricidae (Rock Snail or Murex family)
Size
Approximately 3 inches in length and width, which is a very typical and mature size for this species. Adults generally range from 2 to 4.5 inches.
Color & Pattern
Base color is a creamy white or pale tan, overlaid with subtle brownish spiral banding. The exterior shows some natural weathering and minor brown streaks. The interior aperture is a striking, smooth peach-pink, characteristic of the species.
Rarity
Common; frequently found while beachcombing or diving within its native range.
Habitat
Found in shallow subtidal waters, bays, and intertidal zones down to about 150 feet. Prefers sandy bottoms, mudflats, coral rubble, and seagrass beds.
Geographic Range
Western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from North Carolina through the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and down to northern South America and Brazil.
Description
A robust, sturdy gastropod shell featuring a rounded body whorl, a prominent spire, and heavy frilly varices adorned with short, blunt spines. The aperture is oval and terminates in a moderately short, closed siphonal canal. The outer lip is toothed inside, and the inner lip is glazed with a delicate pinkish callus matching the interior.
Key Features
Rounded, apple-like overall shape; heavy axial varices with blunt spines; characteristic peach-pink interior of the aperture; short, sometimes slightly curved siphonal canal.
Collector Value
Low to moderate commercial value. While widely available in shell shops and popular among beginner and intermediate collectors, nice specimens with deep pink apertures are always pleasant additions to a display collection. Approximate value ranges from $2 to $10 depending on size and grade.
Condition Notes
Good condition. The shell is intact with all major whorls and the siphonal canal present. The interior pink coloration is well-preserved, though the exterior shows slight sun-bleaching and minor natural wear typical of beach-collected specimens. Collector grade: Good to Fine.
Interesting Facts
Like other muricids, the Apple Murex is a predatory carnivore that drills holes into the shells of bivalves using its radula and acidic secretions to consume them. Historically, related species in the Muricidae family were used to produce the famous Tyrian purple dye prized by ancient civilizations.
Ecological Role
Acts as an important carnivorous predator in benthic marine food webs, helping to control populations of bivalves and other marine invertebrates. Empty shells frequently serve as mobile homes for hermit crabs.
Similar Species
Can be confused with the West Indian Murex (Phyllonotus pomum variations or Chicoreus species), but distinguished by its more rounded, apple-like body whorl and specific spine arrangement.
Beach Finding Tips
Look along Gulf and Caribbean beaches following strong storms or rough wave action. Searching near jetties, rocky outcrops, or seagrass beds at low tide often yields the best results.