Atlantic Deer Cowrie
NameAtlantic Deer Cowrie
Scientific NameMacrocypraea cervus
Common NameAtlantic Deer Cowrie
FamilyCypraeidae
GenusMacrocypraea
Speciescervus
Geographic DistributionWestern Atlantic Ocean, including the southeastern United States (Florida), the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico.
Average Size (mm)100-150
Identifying FeaturesIts large size, distinctive brown background with numerous white spots, elongated ovate shape, and narrow, toothed aperture with a purplish interior are key identifying features.
Raritycommon
Author CitationLinnaeus, 1771
Description
The Atlantic Deer Cowrie is a large, glossy, ovate gastropod shell. Its dorsal surface is typically a rich brown or reddish-brown, adorned with numerous distinct white spots of varying sizes, resembling the coat of a deer. The base and margins are lighter, often cream or pale brown. The aperture is long and narrow, featuring prominent teeth on both the outer and inner lips, and the interior of the aperture often exhibits a purplish or lavender hue.
