four-spotted cowrie
Namefour-spotted cowrie
Scientific NameErosaria quadrimaculata
Common Namefour-spotted cowrie
FamilyCypraeidae
GenusErosaria
Speciesquadrimaculata
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including areas such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and parts of the Indian Ocean.
Habitatsubtidal
Average Size (mm)20-45
Identifying FeaturesThe primary identifying features are the four prominent dark brown to black spots (two on each side) on the dorsal surface of the shell, set against a white or cream background with smaller brown speckles. The characteristic glossy, ovate cowrie shape and the often-extended, dark, papillose mantle are also key.
Raritycommon
Author CitationGmelin, 1791
Description
A small to medium-sized, highly glossy cowrie shell. The dorsal surface is typically white or cream, adorned with numerous small, irregular orange-brown or reddish-brown spots. Its most distinctive feature is the presence of two prominent, dark brown to black spots on each side of the shell, giving it its common name. The mantle, often dark and papillose, frequently extends to partially or fully cover the shell when the animal is active. The shell is ovate and inflated, with a narrow aperture on the ventral side.
