Murex is a genus of predatory gastropod molluscs resembling whelks, found in tropical and subtropical coastal areas. The flesh of some species is consumed as seafood in regions where they are harvested, usually boiled or grilled. Historically the genus is famous as the source of Tyrian purple dye rather than as a food, and its shells are prized by collectors. As with other wild-harvested gastropods, safety depends on clean harvesting waters free of sewage and algal toxins, proper cooking to destroy pathogens and parasites, and monitoring for marine biotoxins and heavy metals that molluscs can accumulate in their tissues.