Purple-mouthed murex [Muricanthus nigritus]
Description
This marine species is characterized by its distinct purple coloration on the inner lip of its shell. It is native to the Southwest Pacific and Southeast Indian Ocean, typically found in shallow coral reefs. They are nocturnal, hiding under sand or rubble during the day and emerging at night to feed.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Mollusks
Mollusca
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Gastropods
Gastropoda
|
| Order |
Neogastropoda
Neogastropoda
|
| Family |
Murex snails
Muricidae
|
| Genus |
Muricanthus
Muricanthus
|