rapane

Rapane is a genus of medium-sized to large predatory sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Muricidae. These snails are characterized by their heavy, often spiny shells, which provide protection from predators. The shells typically have a high spire and a long siphonal canal. Rapane species are found in temperate and tropical waters worldwide, inhabiting a range of marine environments from intertidal zones to deeper offshore areas.

These snails are carnivorous and are often found feeding on other mollusks, such as bivalves and other gastropods, as well as echinoderms. They use their radula, a ribbon of teeth, to bore through the shells of their prey or to scrape away flesh. Some species are also scavengers. The reproductive cycle of rapane typically involves external fertilization, with females laying egg capsules that are attached to hard surfaces. The young snails hatch as miniature versions of the adults.

The common name "rapane" is sometimes used interchangeably with "rock snails" or "murex snails" due to their shell characteristics and habitat. Some species of rapane have historical or cultural significance, and in certain regions, they are collected for their shells or, in some cases, for consumption, though this varies greatly by species and location. The taxonomy of the Rapane genus is subject to ongoing research and revision by malacologists.