Knobby Tung Grove Shell or Mulberry Shell
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Neogastropoda, Family: Muricidae, Genus: Morula, Species: Morula nodicostata · Muricidae (Murex and Rock Shell family) · Gastropod (univalve), whole shell modified as jewelry component, oval-spiral shape
Species
Morula nodicostata
Shell Type
Gastropod (univalve), whole shell modified as jewelry component, oval-spiral shape
Family
Muricidae (Murex and Rock Shell family)
Size
Approximately 15-20 mm in length, which is average for this species. Adults typically range from 10 to 30 mm.
Color & Pattern
Mottled brown and white coloration with prominent white-tipped nodules arranged in spiral rows across the body whorl. The appearance is natural and glossy.
Rarity
Common
Habitat
Found in intertidal and shallow subtidal zones, typically inhabiting rocky shores, coral reefs, and tide pools where it clings to rocks or hides in crevices.
Geographic Range
Indo-Pacific region, including tropical waters from East Africa and the Red Sea through Southeast Asia to Polynesia and Australia.
Description
A robust, compact marine snail shell featuring a thick outer shell adorned with striking rows of rounded, white-tipped knobs or nodules. The surface texture is rough due to strong spiral cords and axial ridges intersecting beneath the nodes. The aperture is narrow with a denticulate outer lip, typical of predatory rock shells.
Key Features
Heavy, compact spiral shell with prominent rows of blunt, white nodules contrasting against a dark brown background, and a restricted, tooth-lined aperture.
Collector Value
Low to moderate as an individual specimen, though popular in marine-themed or artisanal jewelry due to its decorative knobby texture and manageable size.
Condition Notes
The shell has been drilled or modified for jewelry use as an earring drop, but the exterior structure and natural coloration remain intact and well-preserved.
Interesting Facts
Members of the Muricidae family are carnivorous predators that drill holes into the shells of bivalves or force open other mollusks using their specialized radula and acidic secretions.
Ecological Role
Acts as an active carnivorous predator in intertidal rocky marine ecosystems, helping control populations of barnacles, small bivalves, and other gastropods.
Similar Species
Morula marginalba (Mulberry whelk) and other Morula species, which can be distinguished by subtle variations in nodule arrangement and aperture coloration.
Beach Finding Tips
Search rocky intertidal zones, particularly around tide pools and under loose rocks at low tide in tropical Indo-Pacific regions.