Muricidae is a large and varied taxonomic family of small to large predatory sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks, commonly known as murex snails or rock snails. With over 1,700 living species, the Muricidae represent almost 10% of the Neogastropoda. Additionally, 1,200 fossil species have been recognized. Numerous subfamilies are recognized, although experts disagree about the subfamily divisions and the definitions of the genera.
Many muricids have unusual shells which are considered attractive by shell collectors and by interior designers.
Muricidae
A mass of muricid egg capsules in a tidepool in Central California
Numerous Hexaplex trunculus for sale in a fishmarket in Spain
Museum specimens of Chicoreus palmarosae (Lamarck, 1822), Naturalis
Neogastropoda is an order of sea snails, both freshwater and marine gastropod molluscs.
Neogastropoda
Two neogastropods in the picture. Brunneifusus ternatanus (left) Murex trapa (right) in captivity.