graceful cowrie
Namegraceful cowrie
Scientific NameMauritia gracilis
Common Namegraceful cowrie
FamilyCypraeidae
GenusMauritia
Speciesgracilis
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, Indian Ocean, and parts of the Western Pacific.
Habitatsubtidal
Average Size (mm)35
Identifying FeaturesGlossy, ovate shell with a distinctive pattern of dense brown spots and blotches on a lighter background. The ends are typically darker and somewhat produced. The overall shape is characteristic of the genus Mauritia.
Raritycommon
Author CitationGaskoin, 1849
Description
A medium-sized, glossy cowrie shell, characterized by its ovate to sub-cylindrical shape. The dorsal surface is typically a pale cream or light beige, densely covered with irregular brown to reddish-brown spots and blotches. The ends of the shell are often darker, exhibiting purplish-brown tones, and the shell surface is smooth and highly polished.
