Tuba false fusus (Tengunishi) is distributed south of the Boso Peninsula. It has not been confirmed overseas and is considered a species endemic to Japan. It inhabits sandy and muddy sea bottoms from the intertidal zone to depths of about 50 meters. The shell height is approximately 20 cm.

The shell of Tengunishi features rows of wart-like projections. The siphonal region is elongated and slightly thickened, covered by a thick, brown, velvety shell surface. This species exhibits significant individual variation in shape, with some specimens lacking the wart-like projections and instead having a smooth surface. The operculum is blackish-brown and thick.

It has a pleasant texture and a mildly sweet flavor. It is caught using gillnets, but quantities are limited. When sliced thinly, the texture remains firm, so the key to enjoying it as sashimi is to slice it very thinly. It is also commonly cooked in dishes such as vinegared food or stir-fries.

 

Common name: Tuba false fusus

Japanese name: Tengunishi (天狗辛螺、天狗螺)

Scientific name: Brunneifusus ternatanus (Gmelin, 1791)