Muricinae

Muricinae is a subfamily of predatory sea snails, commonly known as murex shells, within the family Muricidae. These marine gastropod mollusks are characterized by their often ornate shells, which can be spiny, ridged, or tuberculate. The subfamily Muricinae is found in all the world's oceans, inhabiting a variety of marine environments from intertidal zones to the deep sea. They are predominantly carnivorous, feeding on other mollusks, crustaceans, and echinoderms. Many species possess a siphonal canal, a channel-like extension at the anterior end of the shell that houses the siphon, which is used for sensing and drawing in water. Some species have historically been exploited for the production of Tyrian purple dye, a vibrant pigment derived from glandular secretions. The classification of Muricinae is subject to ongoing research, with taxonomic revisions based on morphological and molecular data. Common examples of genera within this subfamily include Murex, Chicoreus, and Hexaplex. Their diverse shell morphology is a significant aspect of their biology and has made them popular among shell collectors.