Family: Muricidae, Murexes view all from this family

Description 1-3 1/2" (2.5-8.9 cm) high. Ovate, with a short spire; pale brownish to gray, occasionally with yellowish splotches. Whorls convex, with spiral rows of knobs or spines that are dark on worn shells, and numerous fine, low spiral cords marked by black lines, crossed by very fine, crowded axial threads. Columella curved, flattened, with shallow groove in center, a toothed outer margin, and a flattened, semicircular callus present above. Aperture very large, ovate, yellowish or bluish-white, often mottled with brown within. Margin of outer lip finely grooved, toothed, and with a dark margin within. Columella and inner margin of outer lip brownish-orange with dark reddish-brown splotches. Canal short, shallow, slanting. Operculum horny, semicircular, smaller than aperture.

Habitat On rocks intertidally.

Range Southeastern Florida to the West Indies.

Discussion This species is also called the Wide-mouthed Dye Shell. Common in the West Indies but rare in Florida, it is often somewhat worn so that the fine spiral and axial sculpture may be obscure. When the animal is handled it secretes a harmless milky liquid, which leaves a purple stain that is difficult to remove. It has been observed feeding on chitons.