Three-Winged Murex

Pteropurpura trialata

Pteropurpura trialata is a medium-sized predatory sea snail characterized by its fusiform and fairly thick shell, which can reach a length of 93 mm. The shell features a spire angle of 40-42° and consists of one and a half smooth, conical whorls in the protoconch, followed by eight moderately convex whorls in the teleoconch. Each whorl is adorned with three elaborately sculptured varices and has nine to twelve fluted cords extending onto the varices, making it distinctive among similar species. This species is native to the semi-tropical eastern Pacific Ocean, with its range extending from northern California through Baja California to Mexico. It typically inhabits benthic environments and is often found at depths shallower than 40 meters, as most recorded occurrences are concentrated in this depth range. As a non-broadcast spawner, Pteropurpura trialata does not undergo a trocophore stage in its life cycle. It primarily preys on small invertebrates, utilizing its predatory nature to hunt. Encountering this species while diving can be intriguing due to its unique shell structure and predatory behavior, although it may not be as commonly observed as other marine species in the area.