Luria pulchra
NameLuria pulchra
Scientific NameLuria pulchra
Common NameBeautiful Cowrie, Pulchra Cowrie
FamilyCypraeidae
GenusLuria
Speciespulchra
Geographic DistributionPrimarily found in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and parts of the Indian Ocean.
Habitatintertidal
Average Size (mm)Ranges from approximately 20 mm to 45 mm, with an average around 30-35 mm.
Identifying FeaturesKey identifying features include its glossy, ovate shape, the characteristic reddish-brown coloration with paler transverse bands, and the distinctive dark anterior spot. Like other cowries, it possesses a narrow, toothed aperture (though not clearly visible in this dorsal view, the overall cowrie morphology is evident).
Raritycommon
Author CitationGray, 1824
Description
A medium-sized, ovate, and highly glossy cowrie shell. The dorsum is typically a rich reddish-brown to orange-brown, often adorned with two or three paler, sometimes indistinct, transverse bands. The base is pale cream to white, and a distinctive dark brown to black spot is prominently located at the anterior end of the shell. The shell surface is smooth and lacks any significant sculpture.
