Wonder Cowry
NameWonder Cowry
Scientific NameLyncina wonderi
Common NameWonder Cowry
FamilyCypraeidae
GenusLyncina
Specieswonderi
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific, including regions such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and surrounding areas.
Average Size (mm)40-80 mm (can reach up to 100 mm)
Identifying FeaturesThe live animal is characterized by its highly papillate, light-colored mantle that almost entirely covers the shell. The shell itself is ovate, smooth, glossy, and typically pale with brown markings.
Rarityrare
Author Citation(Schilder & Schilder, 1937)
Description
The image displays a living cowry snail with its mantle fully extended, almost completely enveloping its shell. The mantle is a pale, creamy-tan color, densely adorned with numerous, prominent, and somewhat branched or spiky papillae. A small portion of the underlying shell is visible, appearing smooth and light-colored, likely creamy white with faint brownish markings. The snail's foot is pale, and its tentacles are visible, extending from the anterior end. The animal is situated in an aquatic environment, likely marine, on a substrate that appears to be rock or coral, with some green algae present.
