Tiger Cowrie

Cypraea tigris

Habitat & Distribution :  Reef-associated, depths of 10 - 40 m, Indo-Pacific Ocean

Diet : Sponge, coral polyps, other gastropods, seaweed and carrion

Size: Up to 15 cm

Lifespan: 10 years

Description

The tiger cowrie is a type of cowry, that is, a big sea snail, characterized by the distinctive dark brown to black spots on its shell. As with other cowries, the shell appears to be glistening, almost as if it's been purposely polished.

Behavior

It prefers sandy bottoms in reef areas, sheltering near rocks. Diurnal, it is active during the day and feeds on invasive sponges, other sea snails, seaweed and carrion.

Reproduction

Broadcast spawners. Males and females release their sperms and eggs into the water where fecundation will occur, resulting in planktonic / drifting larvae. The larvae will develop into its juvenile form / veliger before developing into an adult.

Communication & Perception

As with other gastropods, the cowry relies on its sense of taste and smell (olfactory), touch (mechanoreceptor), sight and balance (statocysts) to navigate the sea floor, avoid predators and look for food. It cannot hear, but it can sense sound vibrations with its tentacles.

Predator

Crustaceans and textile cones (Conus textile)

Conservation Status: Not Evaluated