Spindle Shell or Venus Comb Murex
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Neogastropoda, Family: Muricidae, Genus: Murex, Species: Murex pecten · Muricidae (Murex family or Rock Snails) · Gastropod (univalve) with a spiral shape and an exceptionally long, needle-like siphonal canal.
Species
Murex pecten
Shell Type
Gastropod (univalve) with a spiral shape and an exceptionally long, needle-like siphonal canal.
Family
Muricidae (Murex family or Rock Snails)
Size
Approximately 6 to 8 inches in total length including the long siphonal canal, which is typical for a mature specimen. Full-grown individuals generally range from 4 to 9 inches.
Color & Pattern
The shell exhibits a uniform cream to light tan or pale golden-brown coloration. The colors are entirely natural, showing delicate subtle banding along the whorls and a smooth, polished finish on the body whorl.
Rarity
Common to Uncommon, though finding a specimen with the extremely fragile siphonal canal completely intact makes it a much more desirable and delicate find.
Habitat
Inhabits shallow to moderately deep subtidal waters, typically found on muddy or sandy bottoms, often around coral rubble reefs and offshore areas ranging from 10 to 50 meters deep.
Geographic Range
Indo-West Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea and East Africa across the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Northern Australia, and as far north as Japan.
Description
A magnificent and instantly recognizable gastropod, characterized by its high-spired shell featuring three rows of long, delicate, comb-like spines radiating along the varices. It possesses a remarkably elongated, straight siphonal canal lined with tiny spines, resembling a delicate hair comb or a surgeon's tool.
Key Features
The defining feature is the array of numerous, slender, perfectly aligned spines projecting from the varices and the extraordinarily long, needle-like siphonal canal adorned with microscopic auxiliary spines.
Collector Value
Highly sought after by shell collectors worldwide due to its striking, intricate geometry. Specimens with a completely intact and unbroken siphonal canal command significantly higher values in the collector market.
Condition Notes
Gem to Fine condition. The remarkably long siphonal canal appears completely intact and unbroken, which is rare for fragile specimens of this size. No visible boring holes or major erosion, displaying pristine sculptural detail.
Interesting Facts
The elaborate spines act as a defense mechanism against predators, preventing fish from swallowing the snail whole and helping to prevent it from sinking too deeply into soft mud substrates. The living animal is a carnivorous predator that feeds on other mollusks and barnacles.
Ecological Role
As an active carnivore and apex scavenger in its benthic marine community, it helps regulate populations of other bottom-dwelling invertebrates. Its complex shell architecture also provides micro-habitats for various encrusting organisms and small marine larvae.
Similar Species
Murex ternispina and Murex aduncospinosus are closely related species, but can be distinguished by differences in the curvature and arrangement of the shoulder spines and the relative length of the siphonal canal.
Beach Finding Tips
Because this species typically lives in deeper subtidal waters rather than the intertidal zone, whole beach-washed specimens are quite rare. They are usually acquired via local fishermen, diving, or specialized shell markets rather than casual beachcombing.