Green Drupe Murex or Mulberry Shell
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Neogastropoda, Family: Muricidae, Genus: Morula, Species: Morula granulata · Muricidae (Murex and Rock Shell family) · Gastropod (univalve), whole shell, spiral shape with a nodulose and stout structure
Species
Morula granulata
Shell Type
Gastropod (univalve), whole shell, spiral shape with a nodulose and stout structure
Family
Muricidae (Murex and Rock Shell family)
Size
Approximately 1 inch (25 mm) in length, which is typical for a mature specimen of this species. Adults generally range between 0.8 to 1.5 inches.
Color & Pattern
Features a mottled combination of creamy white, olive green, and brownish-yellow patches. The surface shows textured nodules with darker banding, and the aperture interior has a yellowish-orange hue with white, thickened outer lip teeth.
Rarity
Common
Habitat
Found primarily in intertidal zones, rocky shores, coral reefs, and tide pools where they cling tightly to rocks in high-energy surf environments.
Geographic Range
Indo-Pacific region, including the waters around Indonesia (such as Maluku), the Philippines, Northern Australia, and stretching across the Indian Ocean to East Africa.
Description
A sturdy, compact rock shell featuring rows of rounded nodules and granular spiral ridges. It has a short spire, a heavily toothed and constricted aperture, and a robust outer lip designed to withstand crashing waves.
Key Features
Stout, heavy shell structure, distinct rows of granular nodules across the body whorl, a narrow aperture with prominent teeth on both the inner and outer lips, and a short spire.
Collector Value
Low to moderate value. While widely collected as a common Indo-Pacific beach find, attractive color morphs are popular among novice and regional shell collectors. Usually valued at under a few dollars.
Condition Notes
Good condition. The shell is intact with natural coloration preserved, minor wear on the apex, and no major structural fractures. Collectibility grade is Fine.
Interesting Facts
Morula species are carnivorous marine snails that prey on barnacles and other small mollusks by drilling holes into their shells or forcing them open using their strong muscular foot and radula.
Ecological Role
Acts as an important carnivorous predator in intertidal rocky shore ecosystems, helping to regulate barnacle and mussel populations. Not currently endangered or strictly protected.
Similar Species
Morula margariticola (Pearly Morula), which tends to have a darker, more purplish-black coloration and slightly different nodule spacing.
Beach Finding Tips
Look along rocky intertidal benches, inside tide pools, or beneath rock ledges at low tide in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around Maluku and similar tropical archipelagos.
Notes
Maluku