Cernica cowry
NameCernica cowry
Scientific NameCypraea cernica
Common NameCernica cowry
FamilyCypraeidae
GenusCypraea
Speciescernica
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including areas from East Africa to the Pacific islands, and from Japan south to Australia.
Habitatintertidal
Average Size (mm)20-40
Identifying FeaturesThe combination of its ovate, glossy shape, yellowish-brown background with distinct white spots, and the characteristic pale dorsal ring (though sometimes faint) are key identifiers. The finely toothed aperture is also typical of cowries.
Raritycommon
Author CitationSowerby, 1870
Description
A small to medium-sized, glossy, ovate cowry shell. The dorsal surface is typically yellowish-brown to orange-brown, adorned with numerous small, round white spots, and often features a faint, lighter ring-like pattern or patch. The ventral side is white, with a long, narrow aperture lined with fine, distinct teeth. The shell ends are slightly produced.
