Vasum muricatum

Vasum muricatum, common name the Caribbean vase, is a species of medium to large sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Turbinellidae.

Description
Vasum muricatum has a large, thick and heavy shell that reaches a length of 50 – 100 mm. The shell is quite elongated, conical or vase-shaped (hence the common name). There are blunt spines at the shoulder and near the base. The shell is off- white with black or dark brown periostracum externally, while the aperture is usually white. The columella has 5 strong folds, the first and third being the largest.

Distribution
This species is widespread in the Caribbean Sea. In Venezuela this species has been reported from the state of Falcon, Nueva Esparta  and Dependencias Federales.

Habitat
This species is rather common and is often found in pairs in shallow water. It preys on worms and clams.

Gallery
 File:Vasum muricatum (Born, 1778) 000.jpg|Vasum muricatum from Los Monjes Archipelago, Venezuela. File:Vasum muricatum (Born, 1778) 001.jpg|Vasum muricatum from Los Monjes Archipelago, Venezuela. File:Vasum muricatum (Born, 1778) 2013 000.JPG|Vasum muricatum from Isla La Tortuga File:Vasum muricatum (Born, 1778) 2013 001.JPG|Vasum muricatum from Isla La Tortuga