Common name: Rose-branch Murex

Scientific name: Chicoreus palmarosae (Lamarck, 1822)
Murex sea shell isolated on white background

General information

The Rose Branch Murex, Chicoreus palmarosae, is a striking marine gastropod known for its beautiful and intricate shell. It is a member of the family Muricidae, which includes predatory snails. The shell of the Rose Branch Murex is characterized by its elongated shape, strong varices, and a distinctive pink to reddish coloration with white accents, resembling the branches of a rose bush.

Hobbyists prize these snails for their ornamental value in the aquarium, but it's important to note that they are predatory and may feed on other mollusks and small invertebrates.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
75 liter (20 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
Temperature
22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 7.8 to 8.4
Average size
10 cm (4″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Requires stable tank conditions
Diet
Carnivore Feeds on small inverts, meaty foods
Reefsafe
No May prey on ornamental inverts
Aggression
Semi aggresive Can be predatory towards inverts
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Mollusks
    Mollusca
  3. Class
    Gastropods
    Gastropoda
  4. Order
    Neogastropods
    Neogastropoda
  5. Family
    Murex Snails
    Muricidae
  6. Genus
    Murex Snails
    Chicoreus
  7. Species
    Rose-branch Murex
    Chicoreus palmarosae (Lamarck, 1822)
  8. Synonyms
    Chicoreus rosaria (Perry, 1810)
    Murex argyna Mörch, 1852
    Murex palmarosae Lamarck, 1822
    Murex palmarosae mexicana Stearns
    Triplex rosaria Perry, 1811

Care

In the aquarium, Chicoreus palmarosae requires a well-established system with plenty of live rock and a sandy substrate to mimic its natural habitat. They are carnivorous and should be provided with a diet that includes meaty foods such as small pieces of fish, shrimp, or specially formulated carnivore diets.

Reproduction

Reproduction in Chicoreus palmarosae involves laying egg capsules on hard substrates. In captivity, breeding is less common, but with optimal conditions, they may reproduce. The larvae go through a planktonic stage before settling and developing into juvenile snails.

Habitat

The Rose Branch Murex is found in the Indo-Pacific region, typically in shallow waters on coral reefs or rocky substrates. They are often hidden during the day and become more active at night when they hunt for prey.