| Family: |
Cypraeidae (cowries) |
| Max. size: |
10.5 cm SHL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
benthic; marine; depth range - 10 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific. |
| Diagnosis: |
Shell is smooth and shiny, with an elliptical to egg-like shape. Brown, with distinctive variable fine dark brown line patterns on the dorsal surface and black spots on the two sides. Ventral surface appears cream to gray. Aperture is long and narrow, without an operculum. Both upper and lower lips are lined with small teeth. |
| Biology: |
Collected for food by coastal populations in many areas. Shell used in shellcraft or sold for collections (Ref. 349). Found in coral reef and rocky habitats, common in shallow water and tide pools (Ref. 128042), under slabs and stones and in caverns of the outer edge of coral reefs. Inhabits well-aerated waters. Mainly nocturnal (Ref. 349). Members of the family Cypraeidae are primarily carnivores (Ref. 67623). Reported from Hong Kong to be found on the ceilings and walls of submarine caves (Ref. 126058). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. 123251)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
| Country info: |
|
Source and more info: www.sealifebase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.
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