"Most species [of murex] live on rocks or reefs.  They are carnivores, feeding on other gastropods, as well as on bivalves, barnacles, worms, corals, and other invertebrates.  Most bore holes into their prey using the radula and a gland in the foot that secretes various fluids to help in the boring action.  Some have a long tooth at the base of the outer lip, which is used in prying open barnacles." —from Harold A.Rehder, The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Seashells, Knopf, p1981. 411