Three-shaped Murex

Pterochelus triformis

Sea Life Native IUCN: Not Evaluated

About

They differ by having various forms of ridges including spiked, curled and branched. Like most snails in this family, they are predators, feeding on gastropods, bivalves and barnacles by drilling holes through the shells of their prey. Fresh shells have ornate sculpture but they are often badly damaged by the time they wash up onto beaches.

Identification

A white to cream shell with three thin ridges with rounded knuckles on the shell between the ridges

Size

Can grow to around 60mm

Habitat

Rock pools and subtidal areas of sheltered and exposed coast

Distribution

Southern Australia including around Tasmania

Gallery

Select any photo or video to view it large with its details and credits.

Local Sightings

1 recorded sighting in and around the area.

References & citations (3)

Museums Victoria Staff (2017) Pterochelus triformis Three-shaped Murex in Museums Victoria Collections (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
Grove, S.J. (2018). A Guide to the Seashells and other Marine Molluscs of Tasmania web-site (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)

Quick Facts

Common name: Three-shaped Murex
Scientific name: Pterochelus triformis (Reeve, 1845)
Family: Muricidae
Category: Sea Life › Shellfish
Origin: Native
Conservation: Not Evaluated

Australian Faunal Directory

Tags

gastropod

Information Website

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Header image: (CC BY-NC 4.0) © Wayne Martin

Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into making sure identifications, descriptions, sizes, habitats and distribution details are as accurate as possible — but this information is ever-changing, so no guarantee is offered that it is correct or currently valid. Treat it as a guide and do a little of your own research for the latest word. Feedback and corrections are always welcome.