Shells of South
East Queensland

Tweed Heads to Noosa
Muricidae

Homalocantha anatomica

(Perry, 1811)
Shell: moderately small to medium, light, fusiform, ranging from 34-51mm. Spire low to medium, about 27%-41% of shell height. Shoulder rounded; suture excavated, crossed by earlier varicies. Sculpture: loosely coiled, bulbous body whorl; 5-6 varices per whorl, with each varix bearing 4 subequal elongated spines flaring at the ends to become spatulate and slightly curved, these may be eroded on earlier varicies; webbing between spines. Siphonal canal about 39%-45% of shell height, elongated, straight, recurved slightly at the tip with 3-4 small, spatulate spines along length. Columella smooth Aperture ovate. Exterior Chalky white, yellowish or pinkish. Aperture white.


Specimens

Hutchinson,  Australia
Size: 48.08mm    Collected: 1998
found dead in 13m of water in sand and some dead coral

Flat Rock,  Australia
Size: 40.63mm    Collected: 1999
found on ledge on drop of in 15m of water. Shell was amongst coral rubble and coarse sand covered with Lobophora variegata ( weed)

Charapoana Island,  Solomon Islands
Size: 34.62mm    Collected: 2000
found on coral reef in about 5m of water amongst dead coral.

Minabe,  Japan
Size: 51mm    Collected: Unknown
Trawled from 10m.

Hurghada,  Egypt
Size: 51mm    Collected: 1987
On reef at 18-20m depth. Taken on scuba.