Oxymeris maculata, also called marlinspike auger, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropodmollusc in the familyTerebridae, the auger snails. It can be found in tropical climates at depths of 0 to 210 meters.[2]
Oxymeris maculata has a cream colored shell with dark, rectangular spots that span the spiral.[3] It is the largest Terebrid species, with an average shell height of 16 centimeters[2] and reaching up to 27.4 centimeters.[4] This species feeds on smaller gastropods and echinoderms, including the Crown of Thorns sea star[5] and polychaete worms.[3] It is one of the many species within the Terebridae family to lose its venom ducts.[6]
Oxymeris maculata is sometimes collected to eat the snail inside the shell.[2] It has also been used as a boring tool in South Pacific cultures.[2] Its common name, marlinspike, comes from its shape that is similar to the nautical tool used for splicing ropes.[9]
Bratcher T. & Cernohorsky W.O. (1987). Living terebras of the world. A monograph of the recent Terebridae of the world. American Malacologists, Melbourne, Florida & Burlington, Massachusetts. 240pp.
Severns, M. (2011). Shells of the Hawaiian Islands - The Sea Shells. Conchbooks, Hackenheim. 564 pp
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