Chicoreus cervicornis is a species of the murex family Muricidae that is found in the tropical waters off the northern coast of Australia and New Guinea. The species can grow to 75 mm (about 3 inches). The Latin ending of the species name loosely translates into “like deer antlers” or “having deer horns.” The shell in this photo is species number 41 in the recently opened exhibit “Carriers and Murexes” at the National Shell Museum & Aquarium Great Hall of Shells.
