Tiger Cowrie (or heavy-worn Cowrie fragment)
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Littorinimorpha, Family: Cypraeidae, Genus: Cypraea, Species: Cypraea tigris · Cypraeidae (Cowrie family) · Gastropod (snail/univalve), heavily worn fragment
Species
Cypraea tigris (likely, or related cowrie species)
Shell Type
Gastropod (snail/univalve), heavily worn fragment
Family
Cypraeidae (Cowrie family)
Size
Approximately 0.5 to 1 inch, heavily abraded fragment
Color & Pattern
Brownish-tan base color with severely worn exterior showing loss of original glossy enamel and spot pattern
Rarity
Very Common (as worn fragments/beach drift)
Habitat
Shallow tropical waters, coral reefs, and rocky intertidal zones
Geographic Range
Indo-Pacific region
Description
A heavily tumbled and water-worn fragment of a cowrie shell, presenting an ovate, smooth pebble-like appearance due to wave action and sand abrasion.
Key Features
Rounded, heavy porcelain-like structure, though heavily degraded with obscured dorsal and ventral features
Collector Value
Minimal collector value due to heavy wear and fragmentary nature
Condition Notes
Poor condition, completely worn and abraded with loss of gloss and color pattern, typical of beach tumble
Interesting Facts
Cowries were historically used as currency in parts of Africa and Asia
Ecological Role
Debris recycling in marine ecosystems, providing calcium carbonate back to the water over time
Similar Species
Other tropical cowrie species in worn or weathered states
Beach Finding Tips
Found washed up in the high tide line on tropical beaches alongside smooth pebbles