Where can I find a Cypraea cowrie shell?

The shell’s interior is purplish, the dorsum is usually paler brown instead of greenish. (Lorenz, NLC, 2002) Notable: This taxon is found along the coast of Columbia. It inhabits medium depth of 40-80m and is spongivorous.

What kind of shell does Fulton’s cowrie have?

Notable: Fulton’s cowrie, which is characterized by a glossy shell showing a distinct, intriguing and high variable pattern, was until 1987 considered extraordinarily rare and known only from a small number of specimens recovered from the stomachs of deep-ocean-dwelling fishes ( ex pisce ).

When did cowrie shells become common in Africa?

Cowrie shells, especially Monetaria moneta, were used for centuries as currency in some parts of Africa. After the 1500s, however, it became even more common.

What does a cowrie shell mean in Mende culture?

Cowrie shells are also worn as jewelry or otherwise used as ornaments or charms. In Mende culture, cowrie shells are viewed as symbols of womanhood, fertility, birth and wealth. Its underside is supposed, by one modern ethnographic author, to represent a vulva or an eye.

Which is the best description of Cypraea fultoni?

The Cypraea fultoni amorimi subspecies is known primarily from Mozambique, while its massieri form is distinguished by a more inflated shape and typified by a less glossy, often granular dorsal surface. Notable: Formerly considered a subspecies of Cypraea porteri. Notable: A form of Cypraea mappa mappa characterized by a red cast.

How many species of Cypraea are there in the world?

Following is an informal list of Cypraea species, subspecies and forms, accompanied by photographs where available. Specimens available for sale are indicated.

What kind of Cypraea is found in shallow water?

Notable: The typical mus from shallow habitats of Venezuela is characterized by the columnellar teeth fading midways, and the short labral teeth. (Lorenz, NLC, 2002) Notable: The heavy-shelled, mostly tuberculate bicornis has a dentition similar to that of typical mus. It is found in somewhat deeper water offshore the Paraguana Peninsula.