Bleeding Tooth Nerite
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Neogastropoda, Family: Muricidae, Genus: Plicopurpura, Species: Plicopurpura patula · Muricidae (Murex family) · Gastropod (snail/univalve), whole shell, spiral shape
Species
Plicopurpura patula
Shell Type
Gastropod (snail/univalve), whole shell, spiral shape
Family
Muricidae (Murex family)
Size
Approximately 1 inch, which is slightly smaller than average. Adults typically range from 1 to 2 inches.
Color & Pattern
Creamy white base with rich brown patches and streaks, showing some natural wear. The aperture area features dark red-brown coloration resembling teeth.
Rarity
Common
Habitat
Intertidal zone on rocky shores, often found clinging to rocks in areas of heavy wave action.
Geographic Range
Tropical and subtropical Western Atlantic, including the Caribbean Sea, Florida, and northern South America.
Description
A sturdy, low-spired marine snail shell with a broad aperture and distinct tooth-like ridges along the inner lip. The surface exhibits coarse spiral ridges and growth lines.
Key Features
Low spire, large body whorl, broad aperture, and prominent denticles (teeth) on the inner outer lip.
Collector Value
Low to moderate commercial value, primarily collected as a representative intertidal species rather than a high-end collector piece.
Condition Notes
Fair condition with some surface weathering and fading of the original rich purple-brown tones, typical of a beach-worn specimen.
Interesting Facts
Members of this genus were historically used to extract a prized purple dye known as Tyrian purple, used by ancient civilizations for royal garments.
Ecological Role
Carnivorous predators that feed on barnacles and other sessile marine invertebrates, helping to control local prey populations.
Similar Species
Other rock-dwelling muricids and nerites, distinguished primarily by the specific teeth structure on the outer lip and columella.
Beach Finding Tips
Search rocky intertidal zones and tide pools during low tide, particularly along wave-swept limestone or basalt formations.