Tiger Cowrie
Cypraea tigris
Also known as: Cowie, Cowrie Tiger, Potato Cowrie, Tiger Shell, Tiger Snail
- Cowie
- Cowrie Tiger
- Potato Cowrie
- Tiger Shell
- Tiger Snail
Overview
Found in the arms of branching corals, on ledges, over sand, often close to seaweed areas.
They feed nocturnally on carrion, molluscs, seaweed, and sponges.
Cypraeidae have beautiful shiny 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.
How to identify
Habitat & where to find it
- Range · Indo-Pacific
- Country only · 8
Found in the arms of branching corals, on ledges, over sand, often close to seaweed areas.
Adult photos 8
Discussion
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Deep dive
More in the family
Sea Snails (Cypraeidae)






