Chicomurex laciniatus, commonly known as the laciniated murex, is a species of predatory sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk belonging to the family Muricidae, which encompasses the murex snails or rock snails [1]. This species was formally described by George Brettingham Sowerby II in 1841 as Murex laciniatus [1, 4, 6]. It is a well-known member of the genus Chicomurex, recognized for its intricate and spiny shell morphology.
Description
The shell of Chicomurex laciniatus is characterized by its robust and often elongated, spiny appearance [1]. Adult shells typically range in size from 30 mm to 77 mm in height, indicating a medium to large size for a marine snail [1].
Key descriptive features include:
Sculpture: The shell surface is adorned with prominent, sharp spines and a series of frilled, "lacerate" (torn or jagged) edges, which give the species its common name. The axial sculpture consists of 3 rounded, frondose (leaf-like) and weakly webbed varices (axial ridges) on the last teleoconch whorl. Between these varices, there are typically 2 or 3 intervarical nodose cords. The spiral sculpture features strong, broad, low primary, secondary, and tertiary cords [1, 2].
Coloration: The shell's color can vary, usually ranging from pale cream to light brown, often exhibiting darker markings and a slightly glossy texture [1]. Some specimens may display darker colored spiral bands at the shoulder, periphery, and above the siphonal canal [2].
Aperture: The aperture (opening) is narrow and elongated, with a thickened outer lip [1].
Protoconch: The protoconch, the larval shell, is small and shouldered, typically consisting of 2 to 2.25 whorls [2].
Siphonal Canal: The siphonal canal, a tubular extension at the base of the aperture, is distinct and contributes to the elongated shape of the shell [2].
The complex and ornate sculpture makes Chicomurex laciniatus a popular species among shell collectors.
Distribution
Chicomurex laciniatus is a widespread marine species found throughout the Indo-West Pacificbiogeographic region [1, 6]. Its distribution extends from:
East Africa (including Southern Africa, such as off Zululand, although the initial Wikipedia article previously stated this was the only location, more comprehensive sources indicate a broader range) [1, 6].
This extensive range indicates its adaptability to the warm, tropical and subtropical marine environments of the Indo-Pacific.
Habitat and Ecology
Chicomurex laciniatus is a benthic species, meaning it lives on or near the seabed [7]. It typically inhabits shallow to moderate subtidal zones, with recorded depths ranging from 2 to 80 meters [3, 5, 7]. Specimens are often collected by local divers in depths of 2-20 meters on coral reefs, indicating a preference for complex habitats [3]. Other sources mention live collection at depths of 22-80 meters, with empty shells found up to 168 meters [2].
Like other members of the family Muricidae, Chicomurex laciniatus is a predatory marine snail. Muricids are known to feed on other invertebrates, such as bivalves and other gastropods, by drilling a hole through their shells using their radula and accessory boring organ. While specific dietary details for C. laciniatus are not widely published, it likely follows similar predatory behaviors characteristic of its family. The species is a non-broadcast spawner, meaning it does not release eggs and sperm directly into the water column; its life cycle does not include a free-swimming trochophore larval stage [7].
Taxonomy and Synonyms
Chicomurex laciniatus is classified within the following taxonomic hierarchy [1, 4]:
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Subclass: Caenogastropoda
Order: Neogastropoda
Superfamily: Muricoidea
Family: Muricidae (murex snails or rock snails)
Subfamily: Muricinae
Genus:Chicomurex Arakawa, 1964
Species:Chicomurex laciniatus (G. B. Sowerby II, 1841)
The original binomial name for this species was Murex laciniatus G. B. Sowerby II, 1841 [1, 6]. The genus Chicomurex was established by K. Arakawa in 1964, grouping together species with shared morphological characteristics [3, 6].
Synonyms for Chicomurex laciniatus include [1, 6]:
Chicoreus filialis Shikama, 1971
Chicoreus laciniatus (G. B. Sowerby II, 1841)
Murex laciniatus G. B. Sowerby II, 1841 (original combination)
Murex scabrosus G. B. Sowerby II, 1841
The existence of these synonyms reflects the historical challenges in classifying marine mollusks, particularly before modern molecular techniques and comprehensive global databases.
[2] Houart, R. & Héros, V. (2008). Muricidae (Mollusca: Gastropoda) from Fiji and Tonga. In: Tropical Deep-Sea Benthos 25. Mémoires du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle 196: 437-480. (See specifically page 440, under Chicomurex, for notes on C. laciniatus and its distribution).
[3] Sea shell Chicomurex laciniatus 56mm, gem, BIG, very nice dark form, EXCEPTIONAL. (n.d.). eBay. Retrieved May 30, 2025, from https://www.ebay.com/itm/126869611011
[4] Chicomurex laciniatus (G. B. Sowerby II, 1841) - MolluscaBase. (n.d.). Retrieved May 30, 2025, from https://molluscabase.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=405849
[5] Chicomurex laciniatus - Allspira. (n.d.). Retrieved May 30, 2025, from https://allspira.com/product/chicomurex-laciniatus-2/
[6] World Register of Marine Species - Chicomurex laciniatus (G. B. Sowerby II, 1841) - WoRMS. (n.d.). Retrieved May 30, 2025, from http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=405849
[7] Chicomurex laciniatus, Lacinate murex - SeaLifeBase. (n.d.). Retrieved May 30, 2025, from https://www.sealifebase.se/summary/Chicomurex-laciniatus.html
Merle D., Garrigues B. & Pointier J.-P. (2011) Fossil and Recent Muricidae of the world. Part Muricinae. Hackenheim: Conchbooks. 648 pp. page(s): 110
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