Murex Dye
Although Kythera's ancient dye industry was based on the Spiny Murex (see below), its close relative, the Banded Murex, Hexaplex trunculus, also produces a purplish dye. This can b...
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Seashells - Gastropods
Bubble Shell
The Bubble Shell, Bulla striata, lives in sand and mud among the weeds close to shore. 2 cm long. Photograph © James Prineas, 2003
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Murex Opercula
Most univalves (single-shelled snails) have a little ‘door’ called an operculum, made of a horny substance and attached to the snail’s foot. When the snail retreats into its shell,...
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Spiny Murex
The Spiny Murex, Murex brandaris, is also known as the Dye Murex, because its gland secretes a purplish color that can be made into a dye. In ancient times this dye supported such...
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Spiny Murex, back
This rear view of a Spiny Murex, Murex brandaris, shows the fine, long spines on the outer shell. 7.5 cm. Photograph © James Prineas, 2003
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