James wrote,
"Dear all, today I managed to find a very nice apple murex on the beach,
but when I picked it up, two large claws came out in defense. I need some
advice on how to get this stubborn hermit out of the shell."
 
So far as I know, all crustaceans are edible when fresh. Have you
considered eating it? The Italians use a bent piece of wire to winkle them
out.
 
Andrew K. Rindsberg
Geological Survey of Alabama