Atlantic Yellow Cowrie
NameAtlantic Yellow Cowrie
Scientific NameErosaria spurca
Common NameAtlantic Yellow Cowrie, Spurious Cowrie
FamilyCypraeidae
GenusErosaria
Speciesspurca
Geographic DistributionEastern Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Portugal south to Angola, including the Mediterranean Sea, Canary Islands, and Cape Verde. Also reported from the Caribbean Sea.
Habitatintertidal
Average Size (mm)Ranges from 20 mm to 50 mm, with most specimens falling between 30 mm and 40 mm in length.
Identifying FeaturesIts ovate, glossy shell with a yellowish-brown background and numerous dark brown spots is highly characteristic. The narrow, finely toothed aperture and the absence of a dorsal line are also key identifying features.
Raritycommon
Author CitationLinnaeus, 1758
Description
A medium-sized, ovate, and highly glossy cowrie shell, characterized by its yellowish-brown to orange-brown dorsal surface covered with numerous small, irregular dark brown spots. The ventral side features a narrow, finely toothed aperture, and the base is typically white or cream-colored.
