Size

Length: Can reach 13cm (5")

Recognition Characters

The mantle has numerous, fleshy spike-like projections. Shell is bulbous in shape.

Color

Shell is covered with white or pale blue spots. Larger spots often have brown centers. Overall shell is lustrous with different shades of brown and has indistinct lighter and darker bands. Juvenile shells banded without spots. Mantle is grayish purple to dark purple with occasional white blotches.

Habitat & Depth

Inhabit rocky outcroppings and hard bottoms. Depth to 20m.

Distribution at GRNMS

Rare at GRNMS. Found on the underside of ledges.

Geographic Range

Georgia, Florida, Parts of Caribbean

Behavior & Notes

This cowrie usually clings to the underside of ledges or in rocky recesses. Camouflages itself by extending mantle over shell.

Synonyms

Macrocypraea cervus

References

Humann 1992a, Abbott 2001, Rehder 1981