Size: shell size between 25 mm and 30 mm.

 

Key Features: They are oval and have a medium thickness. The dorsum surface of these smooth and shiny shells has generally a fawn or cream colour and it is spread with numerous white spots, a few of them with a black centre (hence the Latin name ocellata meaning "eyed"). The base is whitish and often has a brown blotch, while the pronounced margins show various fawn spots on a pale background. In the living cowries mantle and foot are well developed.

 

Diet: feeds on algae or coral polyps.

 

Habitat: shallow intertidal water up to 0-90 metres depth

 

Conservation status: Not Evaluated

 

Distribution in the GoK: reported along the coast of Paga, Noru and Kalubhar region.

 

 

 

 

 

References:

MacNae, W. & M. Kalk (eds) (1958). A natural history of Inhaca Island, Mozambique. Witwatersrand Univ. Press, Johannesburg.

 

F.A. Schildler – The size of Erosaria Ocellata - November.1 968 - HAWAIIAN SHELL NEWS.

 

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

 

 

Photo Courtesy

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