Apple Murex (also known as the Common American Murex)
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Neogastropoda, Family: Muricidae, Genus: Phyllonotus, Species: Phyllonotus pomum · Muricidae (Rock Snail or Murex family) · Gastropod, whole shell, spiral shape with prominent varices and spines
Species
Phyllonotus pomum
Shell Type
Gastropod, whole shell, spiral shape with prominent varices and spines
Family
Muricidae (Rock Snail or Murex family)
Size
Approximately 2.5 to 3 inches in length. This is a medium-sized specimen, typical of adults which generally range from 2 to 5 inches.
Color & Pattern
The exterior exhibits rich shades of brownish-orange, tan, and cream with darker spiral cords. The colors appear mostly natural with some slight fading due to age or weathering. The texture is rough and scaly.
Rarity
Common, frequently found by divers and occasionally washed up on beaches after storms.
Habitat
Found in shallow marine waters, typically subtidal zones down to about 50 meters, inhabiting sandy bottoms, rocky areas, coral rubble, and seagrass beds.
Geographic Range
Western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from North Carolina through the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and down to northern South America.
Description
A robust, highly ornate murex shell featuring three prominent varices per whorl adorned with frilly, webbed spines and ridges. The body whorl is rounded, tapering down to a moderately short siphonal canal. The surface is heavily sculptured with rough spiral cords and nodes, giving it a rugged, tactile appeal.
Key Features
Three distinct varices per whorl with frilly, webbed spines, a well-developed rounded body whorl, a finely toothed outer lip, and a short anterior canal.
Collector Value
Moderately common and affordable, widely collected and sold in shell shops. Specimen value typically ranges from $5 to $20 depending on size, color richness, and perfection of the frilly spines.
Condition Notes
Good condition. The shell is intact with minor wear on the spines and siphonal canal tip. Natural coloration is well-preserved with slight calcification in crevices. Collectibility grade is Fine.
Interesting Facts
Like other murex snails, Phyllonotus pomum is a carnivorous predator that drills holes into the shells of bivalves or forces open their valves to feed on the soft tissue inside. They secrete a yellowish mucus that turns purple upon exposure to light, historically related to the famous Tyrian purple dye.
Ecological Role
Acts as an important carnivorous predator controlling bivalve populations in benthic communities. Empty shells frequently serve as mobile homes for hermit crabs.
Similar Species
Apple Murex can be confused with the Rose-branch Murex (Bolinus cornutus) or other Phyllonotus species like P. margaritianus. It is distinguished by its shorter siphonal canal and specific webbing pattern on the varices.
Beach Finding Tips
Best found by beachcombing after major tropical storms or hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico and Florida, or by snorkeling in shallow rocky and sandy areas at low tide.