Common name: Three-Crowned Murex
General Information
The Vokesimurex tricoronis, commonly known as the Three-Crowned Murex, is a fascinating marine gastropod mollusk belonging to the family Muricidae, also known as murex snails or rock snails. This species is particularly admired for its intricate shell structure, featuring three prominent rows of spines or "crowns" that give it its name. The shell's coloration ranges from creamy white to light brown, often with darker accents along the spines, making it a visually striking addition to any marine collection or display tank.
While not as commonly kept in home aquariums as some other marine species, the Three-Crowned Murex is a favorite among shell collectors and marine enthusiasts. Its unique appearance and relatively hardy nature make it an intriguing choice for specialized aquarists who appreciate the beauty of marine gastropods.
Details
- Estimated price
- Affordable
- Recommended minimum volume
- 50 liter (13 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8 to 8.5
- Average size
- 10 cm (4″)
- Care level
- Moderate to difficult Requires careful monitoring due to its carnivorous nature
- Diet
- Carnivore Feeds on meaty foods like clams and shrimp in captivity
- Reefsafe
- Yes May prey on smaller snails or invertebrates
- Aggression
- Peaceful Peaceful but may prey on smaller invertebrates
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumMollusksMollusca
- ClassGastropodsGastropoda
- OrderNeogastropodsNeogastropoda
- FamilyMurex SnailsMuricidae
- GenusVokesimurexVokesimurex
- SpeciesThree-Crowned MurexVokesimurex tricoronis (S.S.Berry, 1960)
- SynonymsMurex tricoronis S.S.Berry, 1960
- Source: GBIF | Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Care
The Three-Crowned Murex is a hardy species that can adapt well to life in captivity, provided its basic needs are met. It thrives in aquariums with a sandy substrate, which allows it to burrow and mimic its natural behavior. Live rock is also recommended, as it provides additional surfaces for exploration and feeding. Stable water parameters, including appropriate salinity and pH levels, are crucial for the health of this species.
This snail is best suited for tanks with peaceful inhabitants, as it may become prey for aggressive fish or larger invertebrates. It is also important to monitor its interactions with other snails and small invertebrates, as the Three-Crowned Murex is a carnivorous species that may prey on them.
Diet and Feeding
In the wild, Vokesimurex tricoronis is a carnivorous predator, feeding primarily on bivalves and other small mollusks. In captivity, it can be fed a diet of meaty foods such as chopped shrimp, clams, or other marine-based proteins. Offering a variety of foods will help ensure its nutritional needs are met.
Feeding should be done sparingly, as overfeeding can lead to water quality issues. Observing the snail's feeding behavior can help determine the appropriate amount and frequency of feeding.
Behavior and Compatibility
The Three-Crowned Murex is generally a solitary species that spends much of its time burrowing in the substrate or exploring the tank. It is not particularly active but can be fascinating to observe due to its unique movements and feeding habits.
While it is not an aggressive species, its carnivorous nature means it may pose a threat to smaller snails or other invertebrates in the tank. Careful consideration should be given to tank mates, and it is often best kept in a species-specific setup or with larger, non-aggressive tank inhabitants.
Habitat
Vokesimurex tricoronis is native to the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. It is typically found in sandy or muddy substrates, often at depths ranging from shallow intertidal zones to deeper waters. Replicating this environment in captivity, with a sandy substrate and stable water conditions, will help ensure the health and well-being of this species.