Porter's cowrie
NamePorter's cowrie
Scientific NameLyncina porteri
Common NamePorter's cowrie
FamilyCypraeidae
GenusLyncina
Speciesporteri
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, primarily found in the waters around the Philippines, Taiwan, and other parts of the Western Pacific.
Average Size (mm)Ranges from 40 mm to 90 mm, with an average size around 60-70 mm.
Identifying FeaturesDistinguished by its characteristic spotted pattern on a light background, its inflated ovate shape, and the prominent, finely toothed aperture. Its deep-water habitat is also a key characteristic.
Dietdetritivore
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Conrad, 1866)
Description
The shell of Porter's cowrie is ovate to sub-pyriform, highly inflated, and possesses a smooth, glossy surface. The base color ranges from light cream to yellowish-brown, densely adorned with numerous, irregularly sized, dark brown to reddish-brown spots across the dorsum. The ventral side, where the aperture is located, is typically paler, often cream or pale yellow. The aperture is long and narrow, lined with prominent, fine teeth on both the inner and outer lips. The anterior and posterior extremities are slightly produced and often exhibit a subtle orange or pinkish-brown tint.
