Leopard Cowrie (Cypraea pantherina)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Cypraea pantherina
- Common name
- Leopard Cowrie
- Category
- Molluscs
- Family
- Cypraeidae
- Genus
- Cypraea
- Size
- 6–10 cm
- Depth
- 5–50 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef, rocky-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, solitary, nocturnal
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea
Description
Cypraea pantherina reaches 10 cm. Cowrie (Mollusca) Indo-Pacific. Cream-white shell spotted brown-black = leopard/panther pattern. Smaller than C. tigris. Branched mantle by day, glossy at night. Nocturnal. Reefs 5-50 m. LC. Less coveted.
Photo of Leopard Cowrie
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Leopard Cowrie?
- Leopard Cowrie (Cypraea pantherina) reaches 6–10 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Leopard Cowrie?
- Leopard Cowrie is found between 5–50 m deep.
- Is the Leopard Cowrie dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Leopard Cowrie?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Leopard Cowrie?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.
Other species in the genus Cypraea
Other species in the family Cypraeidae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 216812)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 4360846)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia