Apple Murex (also known as the Chestnut Murex)
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Neogastropoda, Family: Muricidae, Genus: Phyllonotus, Species: Phyllonotus pomum · Muricidae (Murex family) · Gastropod (snail/univalve), whole shell, spiral shape with elaborate varices
Species
Phyllonotus pomum
Shell Type
Gastropod (snail/univalve), whole shell, spiral shape with elaborate varices
Family
Muricidae (Murex family)
Size
Approximately 3 inches in length, which is average for this species. Adults typically range from 2 to 5 inches.
Color & Pattern
Mottled shades of brown, tan, and creamy white with darker spiral banding. The exterior shows natural earthy tones with rough, textured frills and varices. The interior of the aperture is glossy white to light pinkish-orange.
Rarity
Common, frequently found by beachcombers and divers along the southern United States and Caribbean coasts.
Habitat
Shallow subtidal waters, often found on sandy or muddy bottoms, coral rubble, and seagrass beds from the low intertidal zone down to depths of about 150 feet. A strictly marine species.
Geographic Range
Western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from North Carolina down through Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and south to Brazil.
Description
A rugged and heavily sculptured marine snail shell featuring prominent varices adorned with blunt spines and frilly projections. The body whorl is large, tapering down to a moderately short, open siphonal canal. The surface is rough and textured with numerous spiral cords and growth lines, giving it a rustic yet striking appearance.
Key Features
Distinguished by its heavy, robust shell structure, three to four varices per whorl adorned with frilly, blunt spines, a rounded aperture with a toothed outer lip, and a moderately short siphonal canal.
Collector Value
Moderately valued by casual collectors and decorative crafters. While not a high-end rare collector piece, fine, large, undamaged specimens with intact spines are desirable additions to general conchology collections. Typically valued between $2 to $10 depending on size and quality.
Condition Notes
Good to Fine condition. The shell is structurally intact with some natural weathering and minor tip wear on the spines, typical of beach-collected specimens, retaining most of its natural coloration.
Interesting Facts
Like other murex snails, the Apple Murex is a carnivorous predator that drills holes into the shells of bivalves using its radula and secretes a paralyzing fluid to feed on the soft tissue inside. Historically, some species in the Muricidae family were used to produce valuable purple dye for royalty.
Ecological Role
Acts as an active carnivorous predator helping to control populations of bivalves and other marine invertebrates in its ecosystem. It serves as prey for larger fish and crustaceans, and empty shells frequently provide homes for hermit crabs.
Similar Species
Can be confused with the Cabrit's Murex (Phyllonotus margaritensis) or the Pitted Murex (Favartia cellulosa), but the Apple Murex is generally heavier, with a more rounded profile, stouter spines, and distinct coloration.
Beach Finding Tips
Best found by beachcombing along sandy shores and shell banks after heavy storms or rough surf. Also frequently encountered by snorkelers and scuba divers in shallow waters near patch reefs and grass flats.
Notes
Southern shores outer banks North Carolina