beautiful cowrie
Namebeautiful cowrie
Scientific NameLyncina pulchra (Gmelin, 1791)
Common NameBeautiful Cowrie
FamilyCypraeidae
GenusLyncina
Speciespulchra
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, specifically known from the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean.
Average Size (mm)40
Identifying FeaturesSmooth, highly polished, and ovate shell with the characteristic cowrie shape. The specific pattern of large, irregular dark brown blotches on a lighter background is a key identifying feature for this species. The dorsal drill hole is an external feature, not inherent to the species' natural shell morphology.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Gmelin, 1791)
Description
A medium-sized, ovate, and highly glossy cowrie shell, characteristic of the family Cypraeidae. The dorsal surface is convex and smooth. The shell exhibits a creamy white to pale tan background color, adorned with large, irregular, dark reddish-brown blotches that are somewhat confluent. A small, circular drill hole is visible on the dorsal surface, likely from a predatory snail or human modification. The anterior and posterior ends are slightly produced.
