clandestine cowrie
Nameclandestine cowrie
Scientific NamePustularia clandestina
Common Nameclandestine cowrie
FamilyCypraeidae
GenusPustularia
Speciesclandestina
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, ranging from East Africa across to the central Pacific Ocean.
Average Size (mm)15
Identifying FeaturesThe most distinguishing feature is the papillate, mottled orange-brown mantle that usually extends to cover much of the shell. The shell itself is small, ovate, and smooth with a characteristic dorsal line. The siphon is often fringed.
Raritycommon
Author CitationLinnaeus, 1767
Description
The clandestine cowrie is a small to medium-sized marine gastropod, characterized by its smooth, glossy, ovate shell, which is often partially or fully obscured by its distinctive mantle. The mantle is typically a mottled orange-brown to reddish-brown, covered with numerous small, rounded papillae, giving it a textured appearance. This species is found in the shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific, where it inhabits coral reefs and rocky substrates.
