Lurid Cowry
NameLurid Cowry
Scientific NameLuria lurida
Common NameLurid Cowry
FamilyCypraeidae
GenusLuria
Specieslurida
Geographic DistributionMediterranean Sea and adjacent Atlantic Ocean, including the coasts of Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Canary Islands, and Cape Verde, extending south to Angola.
Habitatintertidal
Average Size (mm)40
Identifying FeaturesSmooth, highly polished, ovate shell with a uniform dark brown to purplish-brown coloration. The aperture is narrow with fine teeth on both lips (though not clearly visible in this dorsal view). The living animal has prominent black tentacles.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Linnaeus, 1758)
Description
A living specimen of the Lurid Cowry, *Luria lurida*, displaying its characteristic smooth, glossy, and uniformly colored shell. The animal's head, with its distinctive black tentacles, is visible, indicating the mantle is partially retracted. The shell rests on a rocky, sunlit substrate.
