Cypraea tigris Linnaeus, 1758
Tiger cowrie
Cypraea tigris
photo by Tabaranza, Don Geoff

Family:  Cypraeidae (cowries)
Max. size:  16 cm SHL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthic; marine; depth range 0 - 30 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Commonly collected for food in many parts of the area, mainly in the shallow water zone. Shell used for shellcraft. Due to frequent over collecting and destruction of the coral reef environment by dynamite fishers, this species may be nearly extinct locally or confined to the deeper part of its habitat (to depths over 10 m) (Ref. 349). Known to be abundant in reef areas, on sand, among rocks (Ref. 128042), on branched corals, often nearby seaweeds. Active during the day (Ref. 349). Omnivore (Ref. 112158). In general, cowries are observed to feed on sponges, live gastropods, seaweed, and carrion (Ref. 112163).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. 123251)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 

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