Snipe's Head Murex (also known as the Snipe-bill Murex)
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Neogastropoda, Family: Muricidae, Genus: Haustellum, Species: haustellum · Muricidae (Murex or Rock Snail family) · Gastropod (univalve); Spiral with a very long siphonal canal; Whole shell specimen
Species
Haustellum haustellum (formerly Murex haustellum)
Shell Type
Gastropod (univalve); Spiral with a very long siphonal canal; Whole shell specimen
Family
Muricidae (Murex or Rock Snail family)
Size
Approximately 4-5 inches (10-12 cm) in length. This is an average adult size; the species can reach up to 6 inches, with the siphonal canal often making up over half the total length.
Color & Pattern
Base color of cream to light tan with brown spiral banding. The most striking feature is the dark brown to reddish-purple staining on the elongated siphonal canal. The body whorl shows fine axial ribs and darker brown spots or dashes along the spiral cords.
Rarity
Common to Uncommon. While the species is widespread, finding a specimen with a perfectly intact, unbroken siphonal canal like this one is more difficult for casual beachcombers.
Habitat
Found in marine environments on sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow to moderately deep water (subtidal zone to 50 meters depth).
Geographic Range
Indo-Pacific region, ranging from East Africa and the Red Sea to the Philippines, Melanesia, and northern Australia.
Description
An iconic murex characterized by a bulbous semi-globose body whorl and an extraordinary, needle-like siphonal canal. The shell lacks the elaborate leafy frills of other Muricids, instead possessing rounded nodules and sharp, short spines at the shoulder. The aperture is relatively small and ovate, often with a pink or peach-colored interior rim.
Key Features
Distinguished by the extremely long, straight, and slender siphonal canal; the presence of short, pointed spines on the shoulder nodules; and the distinctive brown-to-dark-purple coloration of the 'snout' or canal.
Collector Value
Modest value ($10-$25 USD). It is a staple of specialized collections due to its unique silhouette. Value increases significantly for 'Gem' quality specimens with perfectly straight, long canals and vibrant, un-faded aperture colors.
Condition Notes
Good to Fine condition. The siphonal canal appears remarkably intact, which is the most fragile part of the shell. There is some minor blunting of the spines and slight encrustation or erosion on the early whorls (apex), which suggests it may have been a beach find or lived in a high-sediment area.
Interesting Facts
The name refers to its resemblance to the head and long beak of the Snipe bird. Unlike many other Murex shells that use spines for protection against crushing predators, the Snipe's Head uses its long canal to help sense chemical signals in the water and to steady itself on soft substrates.
Ecological Role
A carnivorous predator. It uses its radula to bore into the shells of other mollusks or worms. It is an active hunter in the benthic community. Not currently listed as endangered, but local populations can be affected by over-collection for the shell trade.
Similar Species
Murex troscheli (has longer, thinner spines) and Murex pecten (Venus Comb Murex, which has dozens of long, comb-like spines). Haustellum haustellum is easily identified by its relatively 'bald' body compared to its spiny cousins.
Beach Finding Tips
Look in the wrack line after heavy storms in the Indo-Pacific. Because of the fragile tail, they are rarely found in one piece on high-energy surf beaches; they are more often found by divers or in protected lagoons.