grape cowrie
Namegrape cowrie
Scientific NamePerisserosa guttata
Common Namegrape cowrie
FamilyCypraeidae
GenusPerisserosa
Speciesguttata
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including areas such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and parts of the Indian Ocean.
Average Size (mm)25-60
Identifying FeaturesThe most distinctive features are the unique pustulose (bumpy, grape-like) shell surface, which is unusual for a cowrie, and the dark, papillose mantle that often covers the shell when the animal is active.
Author CitationGmelin, 1791
Description
The image displays a living grape cowrie, *Perisserosa guttata*, with its mantle fully extended and largely covering the shell. The mantle is dark brown to black, densely adorned with numerous white, often branched, papillae. The underlying shell, partially visible through the mantle, exhibits a light grey to bluish-white background covered with distinct, raised white pustules, giving it a characteristic 'grape-like' or bumpy texture. The animal is observed on a rocky substrate, indicative of its marine habitat.
