[1] This species is known in the fossil record from the Pliocene (age range: from 3.6 to 2.588 million years ago).

This was the mollusc species used by the ancients to produce Tyrian purple fabric dye.

Sea snails of the species Banded dye-murex Hexaplex trunculus were also used to produce a purple-blue or indigo dye.

In Spain, and more specifically on the Mediterranean coast and the Gulf of Cádiz, they are called cañaílla, and are appreciated as food.

The shell is usually golden brown with a very long siphonal canal and a rounded body whorl with a low spire.