Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: Murex adustus Lamarck, 1822; M. brunneus Link, 1807; M. despectus A. Adams, 1854 / None. FAO names: En - Adusta murex; Fr - Murex bruni. Diagnostic characters: Shell moderately large, stout and heavy, roughly rhomboidal in outline, with a tall conical spire and inflated body whorl. About 3 strong and prominent, spinose axial varices per whorl, with a single broad axial node between them, well-marked spiral cords (about 12 on body whorl) and many fine, intermediate spiral threads. Spines of varices thick, branched, leaf-like and close-set, about 6 in number on body whorl. Posteriormost 3 or 4 spines rather long, progressively more dorsally recurved towards the anterior end of shell, thus forming a gradual arc in that direction. Last 2 spines of body whorl straight.Aperture rounded ovate, with a deep and narrow notch at posterior end. Outer lip crenulate but without a tooth-like process, shortly lirate interiorly. Inner lip smooth, almost completely adherent. Anterior siphonal canal broad and relatively short, narrowly open, slightly recurved distally, with 3 or 4 straight spines of which the basal one is bent dorsally. Colour: outside of shell usually brown, with darker brown to almost black spiral cords and spines, sometimes orange. Aperture white or light pink, with deep pink lips. Size: Maximum shell length 11.5 cm, commonly to 7 cm. Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Common in various shallow water habitats, rocks, coral reefs, or clean to muddy sand bottoms.Intertidal and sublittoral zones, to a depth of about 20 m. This common species is frequently collected by coastal people for food and shellcraft. Distribution: Widespread in the Indo-West Pacific, from East Africa to western Polynesia; north to Japan and south to northern New South Wales and New Caledonia.