Giant Terebra maculata

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Terebra maculata (Linne 1758)
                 
Belongs to a group of tropical , sand dwelling, toxoglossate gastropods, which like the Conidae have a poison apparatus to kill their prey. This is a massive specimen, thick, heavy, with a tall acute spire and a long rounded body whorl. Colour cream with lovely pale brown axial streaks. Used to be found in large quantities, now is in decline and few specimens are found in fine condition. This shell measures 8.1" (205mm). Reaches a maximum of 250mm.
Location Samar. Also known as Marlin spike.