Ivory Cowry
NameIvory Cowry
Scientific NameMauritia eburnea
Common NameIvory Cowry
FamilyCypraeidae
GenusMauritia
Specieseburnea
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including areas like the Philippines, Indonesia, and parts of the Indian Ocean.
Average Size (mm)Ranges from approximately 40 mm to 80 mm in length.
Identifying FeaturesIts most distinguishing feature is the pure ivory-white, unpatterned shell, which is often completely covered by its highly papillose, mottled brown mantle when the animal is active. The mantle's texture and coloration are key for identification of the live animal.
Raritycommon
Author CitationBarnes, 1824
Description
The Ivory Cowry is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk. The image shows a live specimen with its mantle fully extended, largely obscuring the shell. The mantle is a mottled brownish-tan color, highly textured with numerous branched papillae, providing excellent camouflage against the rocky or coral substrate. The visible portion of the shell, where the mantle retracts, is smooth, glossy, and a pristine ivory white. The animal's siphon is also visible, extending from the anterior end.
