Dear Paul,
          Thank you for quick response. I was unsure whether it existed or
not and my Black form will now take its rightful place between the other
form in my new birds eye maple 8ft long murex display case in my basement
private museum.
If anyone is in the Vancouver Area and would like to view my private
collection, your more than welcome to private email me  to arrange a time.
A.Sharpe
Vancouver, B.C.

----- Original Message -----
From: <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, July 30, 2000 11:50 AM
Subject: Re: Chicoreus Ramosus Black form?


> Hello,
> I hope this doesn't classify as an "advertisement", but your question is
most
> timely.  In fact, uncannily so!  A couple of days ago I received a black
> Murex ramosus, and just THIS MORNING I prepared images of it, for the next
> MTP online auction.  Of course, "black", as it pertains to melanistic
shells,
> it not technically accurate.  Molluscs do not produce true black shell
> pigment.  When they look black, it is due to extremely heavy
concentrations
> or brown, or even red pigments.
> Regards,
> Paul M.