The Muricinae represent approximately 780 valid names of fossil (378) and recent (400) species (Merle et al. 2011).

This subfamily contains the true Murex, and many other closely related genera.

The subdivision of the Muricidae into subfamilies is mainly based on the work of Bouchet & Rocroi (2005), who combined morphological and molecular data in order to define the Muricinae.

However, based on latest knowledge this subfamily might represent a polyphyletic group.

Traditional the Muricinae are subdivided into five informal groups, which contain 47 genera and subgenera (Merle et al. 2011): 1.