Seashell Wall Art 6 - Tiger Cowrie is a photograph by Kaye Menner which was uploaded on July 12th, 2012.
Title
Seashell Wall Art 6 - Tiger Cowrie
Artist
Kaye Menner
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Geographical range, habitat and habits:
The Tiger Cowrie lives in the Indo-Pacific. It is one of the most common molluscs in the ocean and occurs in large numbers over the majority of the tropical Indo-Pacific region, from Africa to Hawaii.
This is a nocturnal species that prefers to stay hidden during the day, e.g. among rocks or sponges.
Size and appearance:
The average Tiger Cowrie is about 8 cm / 3 in, while the largest known specimen is 15.3 cm / 6.02 in. ( The one photographed here is around 9cm).
The Tiger Cowrie occurs in black, gray, brown and white colors. The snail is protected by an egg-shaped shell with a spotted, shiny surface. The mantel is large and muscular and decorated with numerous papillae. In this species of snail, the mantle usually covers the entire shell, preventing encrusting creatures from settling.
The opening of the shell is lined with sharp nail-like structures that keep intruders from entering.
This information came from: http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/SwSnails/TigerCowrie.php
Uploaded
July 12th, 2012