Maria's Cowry
NameMaria's Cowry
Scientific NameStaphylaea mariae
Common NameMaria's Cowry
FamilyCypraeidae
GenusStaphylaea
Speciesmariae
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including areas such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and parts of the Indian Ocean.
Habitatsubtidal
Shell Shapeglobose
Average Size (mm)15-30
Identifying FeaturesThe most striking identifying feature is the unique pattern of orange-brown, often ring-like or ocellated, spots on a white, highly polished shell. It is a relatively small cowry with a smooth, glossy surface. The living animal has a pale mantle (partially retracted in the image) and prominent, slender tentacles with eyes at their base.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Gray, 1824)
Description
Maria's Cowry is a small, highly polished marine gastropod mollusc, belonging to the family Cypraeidae. It is characterized by its distinctive spotted shell pattern and is a popular species among shell collectors. The living animal extends a mantle that can partially or fully cover the shell, but in this image, the shell's pattern is clearly visible.
