Muricidae is a large and varied
taxonomic family of small to large
predatory sea
snails,
marine gastropod mollusks,
commonly known as murex snails or
rock snails. With about 1,600 living
species, the Muricidae represent almost 10% of the
Neogastropoda. Additionally, 1,200 fossil species have been recognized. Numerous subfamilies are recognized, although experts disagree about the subfamily divisions and the definitions of the genera. Many muricids have unusual shells which are considered attractive by
shell collectors and by interior designers.