Cypraeidae
The Cypraeidae, commonly known as cowries, are a family of small to medium-sized sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the superfamily Cypraeoidea. These snails are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, inhabiting coral reefs, rocky shores, and seagrass beds. Cowries are distinguished by their unique, highly polished, and often brightly colored shells.
Characteristics
Cowries are characterized by their distinctive shell shape, which is typically oval or egg-shaped with a narrow opening at one end. The shell is usually smooth and glossy, with a distinct dorsal surface that can be patterned with various colors and markings. The aperture, or opening, is located on the ventral side of the shell and is flanked by two "teeth" or ridges. These teeth are used to help the cowrie anchor itself to the substrate and to prevent predators from pulling it out of its shell.
Environment
Cowries are found in a wide range of marine habitats, but they are most commonly associated with coral reefs and rocky shores. Some species also inhabit seagrass beds and sandy bottoms. They are typically found in shallow water, but some species can be found at depths of up to 100 meters. They are active at night, feeding on algae, sponges, and other invertebrates.
Life Cycle
Cowries are hermaphrodites, meaning that they have both male and female reproductive organs. They lay their eggs in clusters, often attached to rocks or corals. The eggs hatch into planktonic larvae, which drift in the water currents until they settle on the seabed and transform into juvenile snails. As the cowry grows, it gradually develops its characteristic shell shape and color patterns.
Economic Importance
Cowries have been prized for their beauty and rarity for centuries. In the past, they were used as currency in many parts of the world. Today, cowrie shells are still collected by shell enthusiasts and used in jewelry and other crafts. However, overcollection has threatened some cowrie species, and several are now listed as endangered or vulnerable.