Erronea melanesiae
NameErronea melanesiae
Scientific NameErronea melanesiae
Common NameMelanesian Cowry
FamilyCypraeidae
GenusErronea
Speciesmelanesiae
Geographic DistributionFound in the Melanesian region of the Pacific Ocean, including areas such as the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Fiji.
Habitatsubtidal
Average Size (mm)20-35
Identifying FeaturesKey identifying features include the distinctive deep red, glossy shell with dark ends, and the highly papillose mantle, which is typically greyish-white with prominent white, branched projections that can obscure the shell when the animal is active.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Schilder, 1937)
Description
Erronea melanesiae, commonly known as the Melanesian Cowry, is a species of sea snail belonging to the family Cypraeidae. It is characterized by its glossy, deep reddish-orange to dark red shell with darker, often purplish-brown to blackish, extremities. The living animal extends a highly papillose mantle, typically greyish-white with numerous white, branched projections, which often completely covers the shell, as seen in the image.
