| Family: |
Cypraeidae (cowries) |
| Max. size: |
4 cm SHL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
benthic; marine; depth range 1 - 8 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific. |
| Diagnosis: |
|
| Biology: |
Mainly collected for shellcraft. Formerly used as a currency in many areas of the world, the shell is also still used as a divinatory item by some animist tribes, particularly in tropical Africa. Empty shells of Cypraea annulus collected outside this area were carried there by ships when to his cowry was used as a currency (Ref. 349). Widespread in the shallow water, occurring in every kind of habitat (Ref. 349). 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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