Arabian Cowry (Mauritia arabica)

Also known as Arabica Asiatica Cowry, Cowry, Dogrose Cowry, Porcelain Snail, Tiger Cowry

Description

Also known as Arabica Asiatica Cowry, Cowry, Dogrose Cowry, Porcelain Snail, Tiger Cowry.

Found singly, during the day under slabs and stones, foraging for food at night, over shallow waters, of lagoons, coral and rocky reefs, and in tide-pools. Shiny shells collected by locals for both food and their shells.
They feed nocturnally on algae, tiny fish, molluscs, sponges, and worms.
Length - 8cm
Depth - 2-15m
Widespread Indo-West 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 cowries 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/Mauritia_arabica

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