camel cowrie
Namecamel cowrie
Scientific NameLyncina camelopardalis
Common Namecamel cowrie
FamilyCypraeidae
GenusLyncina
Speciescamelopardalis
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific, primarily found in the Red Sea and along East African coasts.
Average Size (mm)Typically 60-90 mm, but can range from 50 to over 100 mm in length.
Identifying FeaturesDistinguished by its pale, white-spotted shell and, most notably, its dark, spiky mantle covered with numerous white, pointed papillae, which are clearly visible when the animal is active and extending its mantle.
Raritycommon
Author CitationPerry, 1811
Description
A medium to large marine gastropod, known for its smooth, ovate shell often covered by a distinctive, spiky mantle. The shell is typically pale with white spots, while the mantle is dark with numerous white, pointed papillae, providing camouflage and protection. The image shows the animal with its mantle fully extended, obscuring much of the shell.
