Big Auger

Oxymeris maculata

Oxymeris maculata features a cream-colored shell adorned with dark, rectangular spots that spiral around its surface. As the largest species in the Terebridae family, it typically reaches an average shell height of 16 centimeters, with some individuals growing up to 27.4 centimeters. This species is often found in tropical climates, inhabiting depths ranging from 0 to 210 meters. It thrives in various locations across the tropical Indo-Pacific, including areas off Aldabra, Chagos, Madagascar, and Hawaii, where it can be spotted near beaches like Waimānalo and Kahe Point. Feeding primarily on smaller gastropods and echinoderms, Oxymeris maculata preys on creatures such as the Crown of Thorns sea star and polychaete worms. This species is not known for possessing venom, as it has lost its venom ducts over time. Oxymeris maculata is a non-broadcast spawner, meaning it does not release its eggs into the water column but instead has a more direct reproductive strategy. Diving encounters with this species can be intriguing, as divers may observe it leaving characteristic wide tracks in the sand while moving. It is often found crawling beneath the sand surface, making it a unique sight for those exploring sandy-bottom habitats.