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Cypraea histrio -Gmelin Histrio Cowrie 2.5" 23.0-88.0 mm Uncommon $1 |
- Shell: The spire blotch is the most distinctive characteristic, varies considerably in size, but the shape remains constant.
- Animal: Body varies from tan to dark-black-brown. The mantle is heavily studded with light tan, circular spots, from these rise sharp, spikelike papillae. These are pure white near the foot and black and much finer as the y extend to the edge of the mantle. The siphon is dark-grey and densely fringed with pointed processes. The tentacles are dark-brown, wide at base, tapering almost to a point, the foot is grey-white speckled with yellow-circular spots. The mantle of the shell is thick, obscuring the pattern.
- Region: Indian Ocean to Northwest Australia.
- Habitat: Shallow water shell addicted to tide-pools, where it is also found under slabs and stones.
- Notes: