Systematic Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Order: Neogastropoda
Family: Melongenidae
Genus: Hemifusus
Species: Hemifusus ternatanus
(Gmelin)
Chinese name: ÅTÁ³

 
Characteristic Features

Rather similar to Hemifusus tuba, but it is more long and slender, usually smooth and without angular whorls, with longer siphonal canal which is about 2/3 portion of the shell.
Habitat

Occurring to 60 m depth of sandy and muddy bottom.
Size

Maximum length ~ 300 mm.
Distribution

Western Pacific, especially south-east Asia and Japan.
Commercial
fishery		 Economically important. It is sold at a higher price than other species because of its larger size and the belief in Chinese culture for its medicinal contribution to the metabolism of kidneys. It is one of the luxurious dried seafood.