dark onyx cowrie
Namedark onyx cowrie
Scientific NameOnyx onyx
Common Namedark onyx cowrie
FamilyCypraeidae
GenusOnyx
Speciesonyx
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, ranging from East Africa across the Indian Ocean to the Western Pacific, including areas like the Philippines, Indonesia, and parts of Australia.
Habitatsubtidal
Average Size (mm)Ranges from approximately 25 mm to 70 mm, with an average size often around 40-50 mm.
Identifying FeaturesKey identifying features include its uniformly dark, highly polished, ovate shell, the narrow aperture with strong, contrasting yellowish-orange teeth, and the absence of distinct dorsal patterns or spots.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Linnaeus, 1758)
Description
The shell is ovate, highly polished, and uniformly dark brown to almost black on the dorsal surface. The ventral side (base) is also dark, featuring a long, narrow aperture. The aperture lips are lined with prominent, yellowish-orange teeth that contrast with the darker shell. The overall appearance is smooth and glossy.
