Dear Conch-Lers.  I received the following question about secretion of
Murex somalicus and I don't have a clue.  I responded to the individual
admitting my complete ignorance but promising I would ask a group of
shellers more knowledgable than I.  And you folks are it.  Thanks,

Tom

Dear Mr. Tom Eichhorst:

     I am interested in the murex species and if it possible to find out the
colour of their blood or any other secretions.  And specifically, the Murex
Somalicus.

     I saw it referred to on your webpage:

Murex somalicus Parth, 1990 (La Conchiglia, July-September, 1990, p. 40) -
The holotype, collected with the type material off the Somalia coast,
measures 155 mm. According to the author, this new species can be compared
only and exclusively with M. scolopax, from which it differs by having a
wider protoconch; a lower spire and, therefore, a wider angle; stronger
varices; one or two extra spines in the last whorl; the presence of a
callosity on the internal lip, which reaches and goes over the spines of the
preceding whorl; and a long, wide and deep anal canal. The author considers
these last two characteristics unique for the genus.

     I would be very grateful for this info.



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