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Molluscs
Murex Shells - Family Muricidae

Almost all Murex shells, including the thaids, live among rocks and corals, many of them in the intertidal zone. Most are tropical, but some occur in southerly temperate waters.

These carnivorous molluscs feed on other molluscs, including limpets, bivalves, oysters, as well as barnacles.

Thaids have thick, solid shells with a strong sculpture of spines, nodules or spinal ribs.

The most common representatives from the intertidal zone are:

Small photo of a Mulberry WhelkMulberry Whelk, Morula marginalba

 

Small photo of a Cart-rut Shell Cart-Rut Shell, Dicathais orbita
(including D. textilosa, and D. aegrota

For more information on Molluscs visit MESA Molluscs

Molluscs
Murex Shells

Cart-Rut Shell
Mulberry Whelk



Home Page
Taxonomy
Biogeography
Rocky Shores
Tidal Levels
Intertidal Zonation
Environmental Factors
Biological Factors
Feeding Relationships
Activities

Glossary
References

photo of Keith DaveyLife on Australian Seashores
by Keith Davey (C) 2000

Learning Consultant - Media
The University of Newcastle

email at australian_seashores@hotmail.com

Scientific Consultant: Phil Colman
site created 01.01.98 : updated 01.04.2000