Cypraecassis
Cypraecassis is a genus of large sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Cassidae, the helmet shells. These snails are known for their distinctive, helmet-shaped shells and are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world.
Common Names
Members of this genus are commonly known as helmet shells, helmet cowries, or cassid shells. They are also known as turtle shells because some species have a shell that resembles a turtle's carapace.
Characteristics
Cypraecassis shells are typically large, thick, and heavy. They have a distinctive helmet-shaped outline with a broad, rounded spire and a wide, open aperture. The shell surface is often smooth and glossy, with a characteristic pattern of fine, raised lines or ridges. The color of Cypraecassis shells varies greatly depending on the species and location, but they are often a deep brown, gray, or black, often with intricate patterns of white, orange, or yellow. They are carnivorous and prey on other mollusks, mainly sea urchins.
Environment
Cypraecassis species are found in a variety of marine environments, including coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and sandy bottoms. They prefer warm, shallow waters, typically at depths of 10 to 50 meters. Some species are known to inhabit deeper waters.
Species
The genus Cypraecassis currently includes the following species:
- Cypraecassis rufa (Linnaeus, 1758) – Red helmet
- Cypraecassis testicula (Linnaeus, 1758) – Testicle helmet
- Cypraecassis verrucosa (Linnaeus, 1758) – Warty helmet
- Cypraecassis irrorata (Sowerby, 1825) – Irrorate helmet
- Cypraecassis unipunctata (Sowerby, 1825) – Unipunctate helmet
- Cypraecassis maculosa (Sowerby, 1825) – Spotted helmet
- Cypraecassis caudata (Gmelin, 1791) – Caudate helmet
- Cypraecassis sowerbyi (Reeve, 1843) – Sowerby's helmet