granulated cowrie
Namegranulated cowrie
Scientific NamePustularia globulus
Common Namegranulated cowrie
FamilyCypraeidae
GenusPustularia
Speciesglobulus
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including areas like the Red Sea, East Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, and parts of the Pacific Ocean.
Average Size (mm)15-30
Identifying FeaturesThe most prominent identifying features are the heavily granulated (pustulose) dorsal surface and the strong, transverse ribs that cover the entire ventral side and extend onto the margins. The aperture is narrow and lined with fine teeth.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Linnaeus, 1758)
Description
The granulated cowrie is a small to medium-sized marine gastropod, characterized by its ovate, somewhat inflated shell. Its most distinctive feature is the heavily granulated or pustulose dorsal surface, which gives it its common name. The ventral side features prominent transverse ribs that extend across the margins, and a narrow, toothed aperture.
