Tiger Cowrie (Cypraea tigris)

The Tiger Cowrie, Cypraea tigris, is a large sea snail. This species is known for its distinctive egg-shaped, glossy shell, which can grow up to 6 inches in length. The shell’s upper or dorsal side is typically white, pale bluish-white, or buff, adorned with dense dark brown or blackish spots. Its color can vary based on its geographical location.

The shell’s opening is lined with tooth-like structures, and while the Tiger Cowrie lacks an operculum to close its shell, its mantle usually covers the shell completely unless the snail feels threatened. This covering maintains the shell’s lustrous white and brown mottled appearance, and the mantle itself displays a unique pattern of black and gray with numerous short papillae.

In their natural habitat, Tiger Cowries are often found under rocks or on soft corals during the day, emerging mostly at night to forage. They are well-suited to rock aquariums with ample hiding places. While young, they feed on algae and scavenge, but adults may consume anemones, sponges, and soft corals. Therefore, they are best kept with starfish, sea urchins, and tubeworms in reef aquariums. It’s important to note that they are sensitive to copper-based medications.

ALLOW UP TO 15 DAYS FOR COLLECTION