Tiger Cowry
NameTiger Cowry
Scientific NameCypraea tigris
Common NameTiger Cowry
FamilyCypraeidae
GenusCypraea
Speciestigris
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean, ranging from Japan to Australia.
Average Size (mm)80
Identifying FeaturesLarge size for a cowry; distinctive spotted shell pattern (when mantle is retracted); highly papillate mantle with white-tipped projections that usually covers the shell in living specimens; narrow, toothed aperture.
Raritycommon
Author CitationLinnaeus, 1758
Description
A large, ovate marine gastropod, *Cypraea tigris*, commonly known as the Tiger Cowry. The living animal is characterized by a highly papillate mantle that typically extends to cover most of its shell, displaying a mottled pattern of dark brown/black with lighter wavy lines and numerous pointed projections, often tipped in white. The shell itself, when visible, is smooth, glossy, and typically cream to light brown with large, dark brown or black spots, often featuring a reddish-brown dorsal blotch.
