Saul's cowrie
NameSaul's cowrie
Scientific NameErosaria saulae
Common NameSaul's cowrie
FamilyCypraeidae
GenusErosaria
Speciessaulae
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific, including the Philippines, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, and parts of Australia.
Habitatintertidal
Average Size (mm)20-50 mm (average 30-40 mm)
Identifying FeaturesThe ovate, humped shell with its characteristic reddish-brown and lighter banded patterns. The mantle is often reddish with fine papillae, partially or fully covering the shell when the animal is active.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Gaskoin, 1843)
Description
A living specimen of Saul's cowrie (*Erosaria saulae*) observed on a sandy and rubbly seabed. The shell is largely covered by its extended, reddish-orange mantle, which is covered in small, fine papillae. The visible parts of the shell, and what can be inferred from the mantle's shape, suggest an ovate, glossy shell with a reddish-brown base color and lighter transverse bands. The animal's tentacles are visible, extending from the anterior end.
