Atlantic Dogwinkle (specifically Atlantic Morum/Wood-Murex type lineage)
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Neogastropoda, Family: Muricidae, Genus: Vokesimurex, Species: V. recurvirostris · Muricidae (Murex or Rock Snail family) · Gastropod (univalve); fusiform/spindle-shaped; whole shell specimen.
Species
Vokesimurex recurvirostris (likely juvenile or eroded Rubritriton ensemble)
Shell Type
Gastropod (univalve); fusiform/spindle-shaped; whole shell specimen.
Family
Muricidae (Murex or Rock Snail family)
Size
Approximately 15-25mm (0.6-1.0 inches). This is a juvenile or smaller-class specimen for the family, where adults often reach 2-3 inches.
Color & Pattern
Alternating horizontal bands of creamy white and deep orange-brown rust. The pigments are concentrated on the spiral cords, giving it a ladder-like appearance. The color looks slightly water-worn but natural.
Rarity
Common to Uncommon (Depending on beach locality; often overlooked due to small size but frequently found in drift).
Habitat
Shallow subtidal waters, typically in rubble, gravel, or sandy substrates near coral reefs or rocky outcroppings. Found in depths from 2 to 50 meters.
Geographic Range
Western Atlantic and Caribbean regions, ranging from North Carolina down through Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the West Indies.
Description
An elongated, spindle-shaped gastropod featuring heavy spiral cording and axial ribs that create a cancellate (cross-hatched) texture. It has a high spire and a moderately long siphonal canal. The specimen shows distinct brown banding that highlights its sculptural ridges.
Key Features
Prominent spiral cords; brown-banded coloration; fusiform shape; pointed apex with thickened varices beginning to form on the body whorl.
Collector Value
Low to Moderate ($2-$10). While beautiful and excellent for a personal reference collection, its small size and lack of extreme spines (typical of other Murex) make it a 'minor' species for high-end collectors.
Condition Notes
Good condition for a beach-found specimen. The apex is mostly intact and the siphonal canal shows only minor erosion. The color remains vivid, which is rare for sun-bleached beach finds. Collectibility Grade: Fine.
Interesting Facts
Members of the Muricidae family are predatory sea snails. They use a specialized radula and acidic secretions to drill holes through the shells of other mollusks, such as clams and oysters, to eat them.
Ecological Role
A carnivore and scavenger that helps regulate bivalve populations. It is part of the middle food web, being preyed upon by larger crabs and fish.
Similar Species
Can be confused with juvenile Murex pomum (Apple Murex) or Rubritriton species, but distinguished by the specific thinness of the spiral banding and the more slender spindle shape.
Beach Finding Tips
Look in the 'wrack line' or amongst shell grit after a storm. Because these shells are small, they are often found in pockets of coral rubble and coarse sand rather than on pristine flat beaches.