The Trunculus Murex (Hexaplex trunculus), is a broadly conical shell with a length of about 4 to 10 cm. It occurs in shallow, sublittoral waters of the Mediterranean and the bordering west Atlantic Ocean.
It has a rather high spire with seven angulated whorls . The shell is variable in sculpture and colouring with dark banding, and gives four varieties. The ribs may develop thickenings or spines and give the shell a rough appearance.
It is source of the royal Tyrian purple.
Synonyms : Murex trunculus, L. 1758; Phyllanotus trunculus, Truncullariopsis trunculus L.,1758.
