Description

Also known as Calf Cowry, Cowry, Deer Cowry, Milk-spotted Cowry.

Found under coral slabs, stones and amongst seaweed, sometimes partially buried in sand, over coral and rocky reefs. Shiny shells.
They feed nocturnally on invertebrates.
Length - 10cm
Depth - 0-25m
Widespread Indo-Pacific

Cypraeidae have beautiful shells and equally beautiful mantles.
The Cowries are probably the most admired and sought after by shell collectors.
Cowries have few predators, but the mollusc-eating cones like Conus textile and octopus can inject venom into the cowry's flesh through a small hole and then sucks out the contents.
The mantle is like a cloak around the shell, highly muscular and when it contracts it forces water through the tubular siphon to propel itself rapidly through the water. Ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyncina_vitellus