Size: shell size between 38 mm and 50 mm.

 

Key Features: The dorsum surface of these smooth and shiny shells is generally pale brown, pale purple or grey, densely covered with small and large dark brown or purple dots. The large spots are extended to the edges. The base is white or pale brown. The aperture is long and narrow, with several white teeth and a bright reddish spacing. In the living cowries the mantle is transparent, with tree-shaped white sensorial papillae and may cover the entire shell.

 

Diet: feeds on sponges.

 

Habitat: inhabits under coral slabs and stones or half exposed in crevices.

 

Conservation status: Not Evaluated.

 

Distribution in the GoK: reported along the coast of Chank, Noru, Panero, Ajad, Dedeka-Mundeka, Kalubhar, Narara and Pirotan region.

 

 

 

 

 

References:

Lorenz F. & Hubert A. (2000) A guide to worldwide cowries. Edition 2. Hackenheim: Conchbooks. 584 pp

 

Cypraea lynx. In Reeflex , the Marine Aquarium Encyclopedia. Retrieved on June 16, 2014 http://www.reeflex.net/tiere/5365_Lyncina_lynx.htm

 

 

Photo Courtesy

H.Zell. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.