Type species: Murex antiquus Linnaeus, 1758, (SD, Sandberger, 1861).
Diagnosis: Shell large, sturdy, pyriform to fusiform; periostracum thin or absent; with short to moderately long, nearly straight to twisted siphonal canal. Sculpture chiefly spiral cords or lirae, axial sculpture (if present) of strong folds, or flaring lamellar extensions in some species. Operculum large, nearly filling aperture, nucleus terminal.
Remarks: The genus (sensa strict.) is reviewed by Fraussen & Terryn (2007).