The Murex Shells. Rock Shells 



I follow the grouping of species used by Tryon, giving several 

 under each sub-genus, but not attempting to describe all. 



TYPICAL MUREX 



Shell with three varices bearing long, straight spines; spire 

 elevated; canal long, straight, narrow. 



The Venus's Comb, or Thin Spine Murex (M. tenuispina. 

 Lam.) is the most beautiful of all the rock shells, and the most 

 wonderful in structure. The slender, straight canal is twice as 

 long as the body of the shell. The surface is finely sculptured 

 with alternating large and small spiral ribs. These are crossed 

 by six varices, low ridges bearing close-set, slender, curving spines. 

 Three sets are large, the alternating ones, small. All the long 

 spines curve backward at the tips. The longest are on the canal. 

 The series of parallel spines justify the name, "Venus's Comb." 

 These delicate shells are ashy or bluish brown, the aperture 

 marked with dark lines. Length, 6 to 8 inches. 



Habitat. — Indian Ocean, Japan, Northern Australia. 



The Bramble Murex (M. tribuhs, Linn.) is one of the thin- 

 shelled spiny rock shells, with long, narrow, straight canals. 

 The spines are shorter, not so numerous nor so exquisitely formed 

 and set as those of the Venus's Comb. The shell is more solid 

 and commonplace in every particular. The ribs show faint 

 nodules between the varices, and are often dotted with brown. 

 There is a black-spined variety. Maximum length, 4^ inches. 



Habitat. — Red Sea, China, Japian. 



The Three-Spined Murex (M. ternispina. Lam.) strongly 

 resembles the last-named species, but is more delicately built 

 throughout. Each varix bears three prominent spines. Length, 

 3 to 5 inches. 



Habitat. — Indian Ocean, Philippines, China, Japan. 



The W^oodcock Murex (M. scolopax, Dillw.) has a long 

 canal. The surface between the varices is smooth and spirally 

 banded with brown. The spines are sharp, slender and curved, 

 the longest ones on the canal. The shell's outline has suggested 

 the popular name. Length, 6 to 9 inches. 



Habitat. — Red Sea, Indian Ocean, China Seas. 



The Snipe's Head Murex (M. haustellum, Linn.) continues 

 the idea of fanciful resemblances. It is a typical Murex with a 

 broad body, and an elevated spire on a straight, slender stem. 



29 



