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Rh Sea Snails, ]anthina, in the Wentletraps, Epitonium, in some of the Mitras and Olive shells and in the sea hares, Aplysia. These substances are known to be irritating to fish and other would-be predators, and its purpose as a defense mechanism seems most likely. Probably future experiments will show that the egg capsules of Murex, loaded as they are with purpurase, are distasteful to fish and have an unusually high survival value.