Ovulidae
The Ovulidae, commonly known as cowries, false cowries, or egg cowries, are a family of small to medium-sized sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the superfamily Cypraeoidea. This family is diverse, containing over 300 recognized species. Ovulidae are distinguished from true cowries (family Cypraeidae) by their lack of a true mantle shelf and the presence of a distinctive, elongated aperture. They exhibit a wide range of colors and patterns, making them popular among shell collectors.
Characteristics
Ovulidae have a distinctive, smooth, glossy shell that is typically oval or egg-shaped. The shell is often brightly colored and patterned with spots, stripes, or blotches. The aperture, or opening, is long and narrow, extending almost the entire length of the shell. Unlike true cowries, Ovulidae lack a mantle shelf, a shelf-like structure that covers the shell in true cowries. This lack of a mantle shelf means that the shell is not fully covered when the snail is retracted.
Environments
Ovulidae are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. They are primarily found in shallow water environments, such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, and rocky shores. They are often found among algae, sponges, and other invertebrates. Some species are also found in deeper water habitats.
Diet
Ovulidae are carnivorous and feed on a variety of marine invertebrates, including bryozoans, tunicates, and other mollusks. They use their radula, a toothed ribbon-like structure, to scrape food off their prey. Some species are known to be specialized feeders, targeting specific prey items.
Reproduction
Ovulidae are dioecious, meaning they have separate sexes. Reproduction involves external fertilization, with the female laying egg capsules that are often attached to rocks or other substrates. The egg capsules contain numerous embryos, which hatch into free-swimming larvae. These larvae then undergo metamorphosis, transforming into juvenile snails.
Conservation
Many Ovulidae species are threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and overcollection. Some species are also considered vulnerable or endangered. Conservation efforts focus on protecting their habitats and regulating collection practices.
References
WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species A phylogeny of the Ovulidae (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Cypraeoidea) based on molecular and morphological characters The Ovulidae: Taxonomy, Phylogeny, and Evolution