Staphylaea limacina
NameStaphylaea limacina
Scientific NameStaphylaea limacina
Common NameSlug Cowrie
FamilyCypraeidae
GenusStaphylaea
Specieslimacina
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including East Africa, the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Western Pacific Ocean.
Habitatsubtidal
Average Size (mm)20-50 mm (average around 30-40 mm)
Identifying FeaturesOvate, somewhat elongated shell; dorsal surface with characteristic irregular white spots on a darker background; narrow, straight aperture with strong, yellowish-brown teeth extending onto the base; white or cream-colored base.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Lamarck, 1810)
Description
A medium-sized cowrie shell, ovate and somewhat elongated in shape. The dorsal surface is typically grayish-brown to purplish-brown, adorned with numerous irregular white spots. The ventral side features a white or cream-colored base with a narrow, straight aperture lined with prominent, yellowish-brown teeth that extend onto both the columellar and labial margins. The margins are often slightly calloused.
