Mulberry Whelk, also known as the Mulberry Drupe or Black-lipped Drupe
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Neogastropoda, Family: Muricidae, Genus: Tenguella, Species: T. marginalba · Muricidae (Murex family / Rock Snails) · Gastropod (univalve); Spiral/Ovately-conical shape. This specimen is a beach-worn whole shell with a damaged spire.
Species
Tenguella marginalba
Shell Type
Gastropod (univalve); Spiral/Ovately-conical shape. This specimen is a beach-worn whole shell with a damaged spire.
Family
Muricidae (Murex family / Rock Snails)
Size
Approximately 15-20mm in length. This is a typical size for an adult of this species, which usually maxes out around 25-30mm.
Color & Pattern
Naturally grayish-white to cream base color with eroded nodules. In live specimens, these nodules are dark purple or black, but this beach-found specimen shows significant sun-bleaching and erosion. The interior aperture (if visible) usually features a purplish tint.
Rarity
Very Common. These are among the most frequently encountered predatory snails on rocky shores in the Moreton Bay region.
Habitat
Intertidal zone, typically found clinging to rocks in mid-to-high tide levels. It is a marine species common on rocky shores and oyster reefs.
Geographic Range
Common along the eastern coast of Australia, particularly from Queensland (including Brisbane/Sandgate) down to New South Wales.
Description
A robust, thick-walled gastropod with an ovate shell. The surface is characterized by several rows of rounded nodules (nodes) that resemble the texture of a mulberry fruit. The aperture is narrow with a thickened outer lip that often features small teeth-like denticles in healthy specimens.
Key Features
Ovate-conic shape; rows of prominent rounded nodules; thick shell structure; typically a dark purple/black and white color scheme in fresh specimens.
Collector Value
Very Low. Due to its commonality and the worn condition of this specific specimen, it has sentimental value for a beachcomber but little commercial value for specialized collectors.
Condition Notes
Poor to Fair. The shell is significantly 'beach-worn,' meaning the sharp detail of the nodules has been smoothed by sand and surf. The apex (spire) appears eroded, and the dark pigmentation has mostly faded to a yellowish-gray. There is a small hole visible, likely due to wear or a predator.
Interesting Facts
The Mulberry Whelk is a carnivorous predator. It uses a specialized tongue called a radula and secreted chemicals to drill holes through the shells of other mollusks, particularly oysters and barnacles, to eat them.
Ecological Role
Major predator in the intertidal rocky shore ecosystem. They help control the populations of barnacles and bivalves. They are not protected and currently have no major conservation concerns.
Similar Species
Morula granulata (found in the wider Indo-Pacific but lacks the specific localized distribution details of T. marginalba) and various other 'Drupe' shells.
Beach Finding Tips
Look among the rocks at low tide at Brighton or Sandgate. They are often found tucked into crevices or congregating near oyster beds where they feed.
Notes
Brighton Sandgate beach Brisbane