Apple Murex

Shell size to 80 mm; shell thick, with rough surface. Sculpture of numerous spiral cords and axial ribs, spines absent. Varices strong but spineless. Siphonal canal curved. Color tan to brown, outer lip with three to four dark blotches. Aperture glossy, ivory, buff, salmon, or yellow, with dark-brown spot on apical end of parietal wall. Many females may lay egg masses together, in communal spawning fashion. Individual egg cases (supplementary photos by Amy Tripp) resemble corn kernels. At one time included in the muricid genus Chicoreus.