Bistolida rubiginosa
NameBistolida rubiginosa
Scientific NameBistolida rubiginosa
Common NameRusty Cowrie, Rubiginous Cowrie
FamilyCypraeidae
GenusBistolida
Speciesrubiginosa
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, ranging from East Africa across to Polynesia, including areas like Australia, Japan, and Hawaii.
Habitatsubtidal
Average Size (mm)15-35 mm (average around 20-25 mm)
Identifying FeaturesCharacteristic ovate, glossy cowrie shape; presence of rusty-brown blotches (though faint in this specimen); narrow, finely toothed aperture (not fully visible here).
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Gmelin, 1791)
Description
A small to medium-sized cowrie shell, ovate to pyriform in shape, with a smooth and highly glossy surface. The specimen in the image displays a pale cream to off-white background color, with faint, irregular yellowish-brown or rusty-brown blotches, particularly noticeable on the sides. The overall appearance suggests a somewhat faded or lighter variant of the species. The ventral side with the aperture is not clearly visible in this dorsal view.
