Speciosa Rock, Vasula speciosa

Speciosa Rock, Vasula speciosa. Size: 3.7 cm (1.5 inches) x 3.1 cm (1.2 inches).

The Speciosa Rock, Vasula speciosa (Valenciennes, 1832), is a member of the Muricidae Family of Rock Shells. The shells have a diamond shaped profile with board shoulders that have rows of short spiny ridges or knobs three of which project at the outer lip of the aperture as spines with the lower two being shorter than the upper one, a body whorl that tapers quickly and a low spire. The exterior of the shell is white, with spiral bands of brown squares; the interior is white and many individuals have yellow inside the aperture. The Speciosa Rock Shells reach a maximum length of 4.0 cm (1.6 inches).

Speciosa Rock Shells are found clinging to rocks, in the intertidal zone to depths up to 15 feet. They range from Magdalena Bay, Baja California Sur to Peru, including the Galapagos Islands. They are found throughout the Sea of Cortez.

A synonym is Thais speciosa.