Apple Murex (also known as the Pink-mouthed Murex or Branching Murex)
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Neogastropoda, Family: Muricidae, Genus: Phyllonotus, Species: Phyllonotus pomum · Muricidae (Murex family or Rock snails) · Gastropod (univalve snail), whole shell, spiral shape with prominent varices and spines
Species
Phyllonotus pomum
Shell Type
Gastropod (univalve snail), whole shell, spiral shape with prominent varices and spines
Family
Muricidae (Murex family or Rock snails)
Size
Approximately 2.5 to 3 inches in length, which is slightly below average. Adult Phyllonotus pomum typically range from 2 to 5 inches.
Color & Pattern
Tan to brownish-yellow base color with darker brown or reddish-brown spiral bands and streaks. The outer surface is rough with sculptural frills, while the interior aperture features a distinct pink or peach coloration with a smooth white outer lip.
Rarity
Common, frequently found by beachcombers and divers throughout its range.
Habitat
Found in shallow subtidal waters, bays, and intertidal zones down to about 50 meters. Prefers sandy or muddy bottoms, coral rubble, and seagrass beds.
Geographic Range
Western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from North Carolina down through the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and south to Brazil.
Description
A sturdy, heavy shell featuring three prominent varices per whorl adorned with blunt spines and frilly projections. The body whorl is rounded, ending in a moderate siphonal canal. The aperture is oval-to-rounded with a deep pink interior contrasting against the rustic brown and tan exterior sculpture.
Key Features
Distinctive rounded 'apple-like' body whorl shape, three varices per whorl with frilly or spinose elaborations, a moderately short siphonal canal, and a characteristic pink or peach-tinted aperture.
Collector Value
Low to moderate value. While widely popular among beginning and intermediate collectors due to its attractive pink aperture and rugged sculpture, its common abundance keeps market prices relatively low, usually ranging from a few dollars to $10 for fine specimens.
Condition Notes
Good condition. The shell is mostly intact with natural coloration preserved, though showing some minor weathering and wear on the tips of the spines, typical of beach-collected or shallow-water specimens. Collectibility grade is Good.
Interesting Facts
Like other murex snails, the Apple Murex is a predatory carnivore that drills holes into the shells of bivalves or forces open their valves to feed on the soft tissue inside. Historically, related species in the Muricidae family were used to produce the famous Tyrian purple dye prized by ancient civilizations.
Ecological Role
Acts as an important carnivorous predator controlling bivalve and barnacle populations in its marine ecosystem. It serves as prey for larger fish and crustaceans, and empty shells are frequently utilized as homes by hermit crabs.
Similar Species
Can be confused with the Chicoreus florifer (Flower Murex) or Phyllonotus margaritensis, but can be distinguished by its distinctively rounded apple-like shape, fewer and blunter spines, and characteristic pink aperture.
Beach Finding Tips
Look along sandy or shelly beaches in the southeastern United States, particularly after storms or heavy winds. They can also be found while snorkeling or wading in shallow grass flats and sandbars in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean.