Haittina

Haittina is a genus of small, marine gastropod mollusks belonging to the family Muricidae, commonly known as murex snails. These snails are found in the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting shallow waters, often on sandy or muddy bottoms. The genus Haittina is characterized by its distinctive shell morphology. Typically, Haittina shells are ovate to fusiform, with a relatively low spire and a broad aperture. They often possess axial ribs or varices, which are raised ridges that run along the shell's length. The surface of the shell can be smooth or exhibit fine spiral sculpturing.

The coloration of Haittina shells varies but often includes shades of white, cream, or light brown, sometimes with darker banding or mottling. The operculum, a hard plate that seals the shell opening when the snail retracts, is typically ovate and corneous. Like other murex snails, Haittina species are predatory, feeding on smaller invertebrates such as bivalves and polychaete worms. They are not typically considered of significant economic importance, though like many marine shells, they can be collected by hobbyists. Research on the genus Haittina focuses on its taxonomic classification, distribution, and ecological role within its marine habitat.