gangrenous cowrie
Namegangrenous cowrie
Scientific NameErosaria gangrenosa
Common NameGangrenous Cowrie
FamilyCypraeidae
GenusErosaria
Speciesgangrenosa
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and parts of Australia (Queensland).
Habitatintertidal
Average Size (mm)15-35 mm (commonly 20-25 mm)
Identifying FeaturesThe distinctive reddish-brown dorsal background with a combination of white and darker brown/purplish spots, coupled with the characteristic dark staining on the terminals and teeth of the aperture, are key identifying features. Its ovate, polished shape is typical of cowries.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Dillwyn, 1817)
Description
A small to medium-sized cowrie shell, characterized by its ovate, rounded, and highly polished form. The dorsal surface exhibits a reddish-brown to orange-brown background color, profusely covered with numerous white spots of varying sizes. Scattered among these white spots are often smaller, darker brown or purplish spots, sometimes with a lighter halo. The ventral side features a flattened, white base, and a narrow aperture lined with prominent teeth. The terminals and the teeth themselves are typically stained a distinctive dark brown or purplish color, and the interior of the aperture can also appear purplish.
