ocellated cowrie
Nameocellated cowrie
Scientific NameErosaria ocellata
Common Nameocellated cowrie
FamilyCypraeidae
GenusErosaria
Speciesocellata
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including areas such as India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and parts of Southeast Asia.
Habitatsubtidal
Average Size (mm)20
Identifying FeaturesThe most distinctive features are the numerous white ocelli with dark centers on an orange-brown dorsum, the two prominent white dorsal lines, and the finely toothed aperture with reddish-brown markings on the teeth and margins.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Linnaeus, 1758)
Description
The ocellated cowrie is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Cypraeidae. Its shell is characterized by an ovate, glossy, and smooth surface. The dorsal side displays a striking pattern of white ocelli (eye-spots), many with dark centers, against an orange-brown background, often bisected by two prominent white longitudinal lines. The ventral side features a narrow, toothed aperture.
