Monoplex pilearis, common name the hairy triton, is a species of medium-sized predatory sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Cymatiidae.

Distribution

This species is widespread in the Atlantic, in the Red Sea and in the Indo-Western Pacific from East and South Africa, to eastern Polynesia, north to southern Japan and Hawaii and south to southern Queensland. (Monoplex martinianus) This marine species occurs from Florida in the United States to Brazil, Bermudas, Canary Islands, Liberia to Gabon, and Ascension Island.

Habitat

This tropical benthic sea snails can be found at a depth range of 0 – 50 m. They mainly live on hard and coarse detritic bottoms, in coral reef areas.

Description

Shells of Monoplex pilearis can reach a size of 38 - 140 mm. These large shells are elongate with a tall spire and a strongly inflated body whorl. They show a yellowish-brown surface with chestnut- brown spiral ribs. The columella and the aperture are dark brown with white teeth. The outer sculpture is relatively fine, with long inner ridges of the outer lip, extending deep into the aperture.

Biology

These sea snails are active predators. They are reported as feeding on bivalves. Eggs are laid on the substrate in large capsules clustered in masses.