Humpback Cowry
NameHumpback Cowry
Scientific NameMauritia mauritiana
Common NameHumpback Cowry
FamilyCypraeidae
GenusMauritia
Speciesmauritiana
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, Australia, and various Pacific islands.
Habitatintertidal
Average Size (mm)Ranges from 50 mm to 130 mm, with an average around 80-100 mm.
Identifying FeaturesIts large size, distinctly humped dorsal profile, dark coloration with contrasting lighter spots, and the presence of a dark, papillose mantle are key identifying features. The shell's robust nature and flattened base are also characteristic.
Raritycommon
Author CitationLinnaeus, 1758
Description
A large, robust cowry species, characterized by its humped dorsal profile and dark coloration. The shell is typically dark brown to blackish, adorned with irregular yellowish or whitish spots. In the provided image, the live animal is shown with its dark, papillose mantle partially extended, obscuring some of the shell's pattern but revealing the characteristic dark background with lighter spots. The mantle itself is dark, almost black, and covered in numerous small, pointed papillae.
