toothless cape cowrie
Nametoothless cape cowrie
Scientific NameCypraeovula edentula
Common Nametoothless cape cowrie
FamilyCypraeidae
GenusCypraeovula
Speciesedentula
Geographic DistributionEndemic to the coast of South Africa, primarily found in the Cape region.
Habitatsubtidal
Average Size (mm)20 - 40
Identifying FeaturesSmooth, glossy, ovate shell; long, narrow aperture with very fine or absent teeth on the outer lip; characteristic reddish-brown spots on a pale background; restricted geographic distribution to South Africa.
Dietcarnivore
Raritycommon
Author CitationGray, 1825
Description
A small to medium-sized, smooth, and glossy cowrie shell, typically ovate in shape. Its base color is creamy white to pale yellowish-brown, adorned with irregular reddish-brown or orange-brown spots on the dorsal surface. A key identifying feature is its long, narrow aperture with a relatively smooth outer lip, lacking prominent teeth, which gives it its common name.
