Apple murex shells are large sea snails found in Florida. They feature lacy vertical stripes and ridges and one large round opening. This is a fairly common find on Southwest Florida beaches, and often when I find one, I find many of them. The apple murex is one of 6 murex species found here.
Scientific name of the Apple Murex: Phyllonotus pomum
Coloring: brown and white stripes, sometimes featuring pink, orange, purple and reddish-brown hues.
Size: up to about 5 inches
​Apple murex live in coral reefs, mangroves, shell beds, rock and sand. They are carnivorous gastropods, drilling holes in bivalves.