| Family: |
Cypraeidae (cowries) |
| Max. size: |
4.5 cm SHL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
benthic; marine; depth range 0 - 70 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: East and South Africa to eastern Polynesia. |
| Diagnosis: |
|
| Biology: |
Commonly collected in large quantities for shellcraft. Once used as a currency in Pacific and Indian Ocean countries, the shell remains as a divinatory item by some animist tribes in tropical Africa (Ref. 349). Found in shallow subtidal depths (Ref. 349); in reef areas of lagoons (Ref. 97298). Members of the family Cypraeidae are primarily carnivores (Ref. 67623). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. 123251)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
| Country info: |
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