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