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Cowrie (Money Cowrie)
NameCowrie (Money Cowrie)
Scientific NameMonetaria moneta
Common NameMoney Cowrie
FamilyCypraeidae
GenusMonetaria
Speciesmoneta
Geographic DistributionWidespread throughout the Indo-Pacific region, from East Africa to the central Pacific Ocean.
Habitatintertidal
Average Size (mm)15-30
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, ovate and smooth shell, flattened base, and a characteristic toothed aperture. Its historical use as currency is a notable cultural identifying feature.
Raritycommon
Author CitationLinnaeus, 1758
Description
The provided image is an X-ray or stylized representation of a Money Cowrie shell, highlighting its internal structure, including the columella and the toothed aperture. The Money Cowrie (*Monetaria moneta*) is a small to medium-sized sea snail, historically significant for its use as currency in many parts of the world. Its shell is typically ovate, smooth, and dorsally convex, with a flattened base and a long, narrow, toothed aperture.
