4. THE MUREX (No. 1) 



This carnivorous pirate family can be found on the rocky, coral or gravel bottom of 

 every sea, preying- on gastropods and pelecypods alike. The most spectacular species 

 modeling ornate sculpture - three varices to a whorl - elaborate with fluted edge, 

 spines, lace or nodes ; sturdy and graceful are found in tropical waters. 



The ancients used the fluid exuded by these shells for purple dye. Paul, in the New 

 Testament, writes of "Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira." 



1. Murex pomum, Gmelin (Apple Murex) 



Height: li/2"-4" Range: North Carolina to Venezuela 



These specimens were dredged at Dry Tortugas, Bay of Campeche and taken 



at Sanibel Island. 



2. Murex trioni, Hidalgo 

 Height: 2" 



Dredged at Dry Tortugas 



3. Murex recurvirostris salasi, Rehder & Abbott 

 Height: 2i/2"-3" 



Dredged at Bay of Campeche 



4. Murex cabritii, Barnardi (Spiny Murex) 



Some specimens very spinous, others completely devoid of spines. 

 Height: 3" Range: Florida to Texas and West Indies 

 These specimens were dredged at Dry Tortugas ; south west of Sombrero 

 Key Light at 35 fathoms - white mud. 



5. Murex woodringi, Clench & Farfante 

 Height: 31/2 



Dredged off coast of Honduras 



6. Murex megintyi Smith 



Height: "^A" Specimen Dredged Florida East Coast 



7. Murex brevifrons, Lamarck (Short Frond Murex) 

 Common in West Indies but rare in this country. 

 Height: 3" Range: North Carolina to Columbia, S. A. 



8. Murex cellulosa, Conrad 



Height: Just under 1" Range: North Carolina to Gulf -shallow water 

 This specimen was taken at Fort Myers Beach. 



9. Murex fulvescens, Sowerby (Tawny Murex) 

 Height: 6" Range: Carolina to Texas - Deep water 

 Largest member of its genus in Florida waters. 

 This specimen dredged at Dry Tortugas 



10. Murex florifer arenarius. Clench & Farfante (Lace Murex) 

 Height: 1" -3" Range: North Carolina to South America 



These specimens taken at Florida Keys, Dry Tortugas and Bay of Campeche. 



11. Murex recurvirostris rubidus. Baker (Rock Shell) 

 Height: 2" Range: Southern Florida and West Indies 



These specimens dredged 230 miles from Fort Myers Buoy at 20 fathoms ; 

 Yucatan and Bear Cut, Crandon Park, Miami. 



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