Black murex also known as Hexaplex Nigritus , is a marine gastropod in the family Muricidae or commonly know as murex snails, they are predators that hunt other mollusks for food. 

 They can be found from Mexico to Peru along the western coast, black murex is named such due to the dark stripes and pattern on the outer shell typically the color of charcoal with variations of brown. Black murex is a lovely shell that due to its shape makes for a great nautical air plant holder as well as great for decorative craft projects