Gem Murex

Maxwellia gemma

Maxwellia gemma is a marine gastropod characterized by its moderate-sized fusiform shell, which ranges in length from 16 mm to 40 mm. The shell exhibits a somewhat white coloration adorned with spiral bands that are reddish-brown to bluish-black along the leading edge of each varix. It features a short, subacute conical spire with five convex whorls, where the body whorl is broad and spindle-shaped. Notably, each spire whorl contains six rounded varices, with the sutures between whorls being deep and crossed by oblique varices. The aperture is porcelaneous white, oval in shape, and has a finely dentate outer lip, while the siphonal canal is short and curved to the left at the base. This species is commonly found in the Pacific Ocean, particularly from California to Central Baja California, Mexico, inhabiting rocky areas from the littoral zone down to depths of 55 meters. It often appears in significant numbers on breakwaters and near bay entrances. Maxwellia gemma is a non-broadcast spawner, meaning it does not release eggs into the water column but likely engages in more direct reproductive methods. Divers may encounter this species while exploring rocky substrates, where it can be observed among its habitat. The species is recorded in various dive sites, indicating its common presence in suitable environments. Its conservation status has not been evaluated, indicating a lack of specific data on its population trends.