Oldroyd’s Coral Shell, Babelomurex oldroydi

Oldroyd’s Coral Shell, Babelomurex oldroydi. Size: 5.1 cm (2.0 inches) x 3.4 cm (1.3 inches). Shell collected greater Ensenada area, Baja California, October 2009.  Collection, photograph and identification courtesy of Bob Hillis, Ivins, Utah.

Phylogeny: Oldroyd’s Coral Shell, Babelomurex oldroydi (Oldroyd, 1929), is a gastropod mollusk that is a member of the Muricidae Family of Rock Shells. The genus Babelomurex is one of one hundred ninety-eight genera in this family, and there are eighty-six species in this genus. This species is also known as Oldroyd’s Latiaxis.

Description: Oldroyd’s Coral Shell is of moderate size and consist of five or six whorls. They are sculpted with fine spiral lines and high spiral ridges, which often become spines. They have a fairly high spire, an open siphon canal and an oval aperture. The exterior of the shell is scaly and cream to tan in color. The interior is white. Oldroyd’s Coral Shells reach a maximum of 6.1 cm (2.4 inches) in length and 4.1 cm (1.6 inches) in height.

Habitat and Distribution: Oldroyd’s Coral Shells are found on rock at depths between 6 m (20 feet) and 40 m (130 feet). They are a temperate to subtropical Eastern Pacific species. In Mexican waters they have a limited range along the west coast of the Baja Peninsula. They range from the northern border to Cedros Island, Baja California.

Ecology and Behavior: Oldroyd’s Coral Shells are herbivores that feed primarily on diatoms, algae, and kelp. They are gonochoric and reproduce sexually, with internal fertilization.  There is no mention in the available literature of them engaging in any types of parasitic, commensal, or symbiotic relationships. From a conservation perspective they have not been formally evaluated however they are fairly common with a relatively wide distribution and should be considered to be of Least Concern.

Synonyms: Coralliophila oldroydi and Latiaxis oldroydi.