Barycypraea fultoni
NameBarycypraea fultoni
Scientific NameBarycypraea fultoni
Common NameFulton's Cowrie, Fulton's Cowry
FamilyCypraeidae
GenusBarycypraea
Speciesfultoni
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific, primarily off the coasts of South Africa (Natal, Transkei), Mozambique, and Madagascar. It is a deep-water species.
Average Size (mm)Ranges from approximately 40 mm to over 100 mm, with an average size typically between 60-80 mm.
Identifying FeaturesThe distinctive wavy, reticulated pattern on the dorsum, the smooth and highly glossy surface, the typical cowrie shape with a long, narrow, toothed aperture, and the slightly produced anterior and posterior ends. Its deep-water habitat and rarity are also key characteristics.
Rarityrare
Author Citation(Sowerby III, 1903)
Description
A medium to large-sized cowrie shell, characterized by its ovate, humped, and highly glossy form. The dorsal surface displays a striking pattern of irregular, wavy, dark brown to reddish-brown lines and blotches on a creamy white to light tan background, often forming a reticulated or marbled appearance. The ventral side features a long, narrow aperture lined with fine teeth on both the outer and inner lips, and is typically a uniform creamy white or light tan, sometimes with faint marginal spotting. The anterior and posterior ends are slightly produced.
