Cymatium

Cymatium is a genus of predatory sea snails, commonly known as tritons or murexes, belonging to the family Cymatiidae. These marine gastropod mollusks are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. Cymatium species are characterized by their robust, spindle-shaped shells, which often have prominent axial ribs and spiral cords. The aperture is typically elongated with a well-developed varix, a thickened rib running along the outer lip of the shell.

These snails are carnivorous, feeding on other invertebrates, particularly echinoderms like starfish and sea urchins, as well as bivalves and other mollusks. They possess a radula with multiple teeth, which they use to rasp and bore into the shells of their prey. The snails typically inhabit coral reefs, rocky shores, and seagrass beds.

Reproduction in Cymatium involves the laying of egg capsules, which are often attached to hard substrates. The larval stage is planktonic, dispersing the species throughout their range. Some species of Cymatium have shells that are collected by humans for their aesthetic appeal or for use in crafts. However, their predatory nature plays an important role in regulating populations of their prey within marine ecosystems.