Granulated Mulberry or Nodulose Drupe (also known as the Black-spotted Drupe)
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Neogastropoda, Family: Muricidae, Genus: Morula, Species: Morula granulata · Muricidae (Murex and Rock Shell family) · Gastropod univalve, whole shell with a compact, oval-spiral shape and heavy nodulous sculpture.
Species
Morula granulata
Shell Type
Gastropod univalve, whole shell with a compact, oval-spiral shape and heavy nodulous sculpture.
Family
Muricidae (Murex and Rock Shell family)
Size
Approximately 1 to 1.5 inches (25-35 mm) in length. This falls right within the typical adult size range for the species, which generally spans from 20 to 40 mm.
Color & Pattern
The background coloration is a creamy off-white to pale yellowish-brown, dramatically contrasted by rows of prominent, dark brown to nearly black nodules capping its spiral ribs. The apex and interior regions show smaller spot markings. The colors are entirely natural and well-preserved with sharp contrast.
Rarity
Common within its native range, frequently encountered by reef walkers and tide-poolers, though less commonly found on typical sandy tourist beaches.
Habitat
Inhabits the intertidal zone, predominantly found clinging to rocky shores, coral reef flats, and intertidal benches where it hides in crevices and under rocks during low tide.
Geographic Range
Indo-West Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea and East Africa across the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia, northern Australia, and throughout the tropical western Pacific islands.
Description
A sturdy and heavily armored rock shell featuring rows of rounded, dark-tipped nodules arranged along strong spiral cords. It has a low, compact spire, a thickened outer lip lined with small denticles inside, and a short, stubby canal. The rugged texture and striking dotted pattern make it a classic representative of intertidal rock-dwelling predators.
Key Features
Compact oval shape, low spire, robust shell walls, and rows of distinctive dark brown or black nodules/granules set against a pale cream background, coupled with a toothed outer aperture lip.
Collector Value
Low to moderate commercial value, highly appreciated by beginning and intermediate shell collectors as a staple Indo-Pacific intertidal species. Typically valued at a few dollars per specimen.
Condition Notes
Fine to Gem condition. The shell is fully intact, retains vibrant natural coloration with no significant bleaching, and exhibits crisp, un-eroded nodules and a clean exterior.
Interesting Facts
Morula granulata is a carnivorous marine snail that preys on barnacles and other small sessile organisms. Like many muricids, it bores holes into the shells of its prey or forces them open to feed on the soft tissue inside using its specialized radula.
Ecological Role
Acts as an important carnivorous predator in intertidal rocky shore ecosystems, helping to regulate populations of barnacles and herbivorous grazers, thereby maintaining community balance on reef flats.
Similar Species
Morula margariticola (Pearled Drupe) and Drupa species, which can be distinguished by differences in aperture coloration, spine length, and nodule arrangement.
Beach Finding Tips
Search rocky intertidal zones, reef flats, and tide pools during extreme low tides. Look carefully under flat rocks, inside crevices, and among algal turf where these snails hide from wave action and sun exposure.