| Family: |
Cypraeidae (cowries) |
| Max. size: |
4.5 cm SHL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
benthic; marine |
| Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: East and South Africa and eastern Polynesia. |
| Diagnosis: |
|
| Biology: |
Frequently collected throughout the Indo-Pacific, mainly for its shell which is used in local handicrafts (Ref. 349). Also found abundant in rock platforms exposed to wave action. Mainly active at night, crawling out of crevices and boulders, but can also be found in the open during the day. Shallow subtidal waters (Ref. 349); found from low tidal to shallow subtidal, in rock crevices (Ref. 337). Live specimens rarely found in rock-pools and among rocks near low-water mark (Ref. 88739). Members of the family Cypraeidae are primarily carnivores (Ref. 67623). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. 123251)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
| Country info: |
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