Porous Cowry
NamePorous Cowry
Scientific NamePustularia poraria
Common NamePorous Cowry
FamilyCypraeidae
GenusPustularia
Speciesporaria
Geographic DistributionWidespread throughout the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Japan, Australia, and various Pacific islands.
Habitatintertidal
Average Size (mm)Typically ranges from 15 to 30 mm in length, though some specimens can reach up to 40 mm.
Identifying FeaturesIts most distinguishing features are the numerous raised white spots on a brown dorsal background, combined with the striking pinkish-purple base and margins. The typical cowry shape with a long, narrow, toothed aperture is also characteristic.
Raritycommon
Author CitationLinnaeus, 1758
Description
A medium-sized cowry shell with an ovate to pyriform shape, often appearing somewhat humped. The dorsal surface is typically light brown to reddish-brown, densely covered with numerous small, raised white spots, which are often encircled by a darker brown ring. The margins and base of the shell, including the aperture and its teeth, are a distinctive pinkish-purple to lavender color. The aperture is long, narrow, and lined with fine, prominent teeth on both lips.
