globular cowrie
Nameglobular cowrie
Scientific NamePhenacovolva recurva
Common Nameglobular cowrie
FamilyOvulidae
GenusPhenacovolva
Speciesrecurva
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including areas from East Africa to the Western Pacific.
Habitatsubtidal
Average Size (mm)20
Identifying FeaturesHighly glossy, smooth, ovoid shell with prominent, slightly recurved anterior and posterior canals. The narrow, denticulate aperture and the characteristic orange-brown color with darker spots are key identifiers. It lacks the humped back and thickened margins of true cowries.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Sowerby, 1830)
Description
A highly glossy, ovoid to sub-cylindrical seashell, characterized by its smooth, polished surface and distinct, somewhat elongated and slightly recurved anterior and posterior siphonal canals. The shell exhibits an orange-brown base color, adorned with scattered, irregular darker brown spots. The aperture is narrow and runs the length of the shell, featuring fine denticles on both the inner and outer lips. This shell belongs to the family Ovulidae, often referred to as 'allied cowries' or 'false cowries', due to their resemblance to true cowries (Cypraeidae) but distinct anatomical differences.
