Kiosque Rock, Thaisella kiosquiformis

Kiosque Rock, Thaisella kiosquiformis. Size: 6.1 cm (2.4 inches) x 4.0 cm (1.6 inches). Identification courtesy of Bob Hillis.

The Kiosque Rock, Thaisella kiosquiformis (Duclos, 1832), is a member of the Muricidae Family of Rock Shells. The shells have an angular appearance with five or six whorls with a high very prominent knobbed spire with the knobs continuing down the body in low ridges, a very short siphon canal and a large aperture. There is a frilled area where the spire joins the body whorl. The exterior of the shell is gray to dark brown in color, with varying amounts of white streaking or blotching; the interior is brown and sometimes with white banding. The Kiosque Rock Shells reach a maximum length of 6.5 cm (2.6 inches).

Kiosque Rock Shells are often found in Mangrove forests or on rocks in mud in the intertidal zone to depths up to 35 feet. They often feed on oysters. They range from Magdalena Bay, Baja California Sur to Peru and they are found throughout the Sea of Cortez.

Synonyms include Purpura kiosquiformis and Thais kiosquiformis.