Naria miliaris
NameNaria miliaris
Scientific NameNaria miliaris
Common NameMillet cowrie
FamilyCypraeidae
GenusNaria
Speciesmiliaris
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, ranging from East Africa to the Western Pacific, including areas like the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and various Pacific islands.
Habitatsubtidal
Shell Shapeglobose
Average Size (mm)20
Identifying FeaturesThe most striking identifying feature in living specimens is the highly papillose mantle with tree-like projections that almost completely cover the shell, providing excellent camouflage. When the shell is visible, it is characterized by its yellowish-brown base color and numerous small white spots.
Raritycommon
Author CitationLinnaeus, 1758
Description
A living cowrie, largely obscured by its highly papillose, mottled brown and green mantle, which provides excellent camouflage against the sandy and detritus-rich seafloor. A small dorsal section of the shell is visible, revealing a yellowish-brown background with distinct white spots. A whitish siphon is also visible.
