Description

Also known as Cowry, Cypraea Zigzag.

Found under rocks and over seaward slopes, often in shallow surge zones of sandy lagoons.
They feed nocturnally sponges.
Length - 2cm
Depth - 6-50m
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/Palmadusta_ziczac