Bistolida owenii
NameBistolida owenii
Scientific NameBistolida owenii
Common NameOwen's Cowrie
FamilyCypraeidae
GenusBistolida
Speciesowenii
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including areas such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and parts of northern Australia.
Average Size (mm)15-35
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, ovate shape, distinctive dorsal pattern of irregular brown bands, and characteristic dark brown spots on the margins. The aperture has fine, numerous teeth on both lips.
Raritycommon
Author CitationSowerby, 1832
Description
A small to medium-sized cowrie shell, characterized by its ovate to sub-cylindrical shape and highly convex dorsal surface. The shell exhibits a creamy white to pale brown background color on its dorsum, overlaid with irregular, often wavy, darker brown transverse bands or blotches. The margins are typically adorned with distinct small, dark brown spots. The base is white, and the narrow aperture is lined with numerous fine teeth on both the columellar and labial lips.
