Tiger Cowrie (Cypraea tigris)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Cypraea tigris
- Common name
- Tiger Cowrie
- Category
- Molluscs
- Family
- Cypraeidae
- Genus
- Cypraea
- Size
- 8–14 cm
- Depth
- 5–60 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef, rocky-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, solitary, nocturnal
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea
Description
Cypraea tigris reaches 14 cm. Cowrie (Mollusca) Indo-Pacific. Cream-ivory shell spotted brown-black tiger pattern. Mantle branched appendages cover shell by day. Sleek glossy when mantle retracted at night. Nocturnal tiny predator. Reefs-rocks 5-60 m. LC. Highly coveted in old collections = threatened before protection. Today LC.
Photo of Tiger Cowrie
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Tiger Cowrie?
- Tiger Cowrie (Cypraea tigris) reaches 8–14 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Tiger Cowrie?
- Tiger Cowrie is found between 5–60 m deep.
- Is the Tiger Cowrie dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Tiger Cowrie?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Tiger Cowrie?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.
Other species in the genus Cypraea
Other species in the family Cypraeidae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 216843)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 4360773)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia