Cypraea mappa -Linne 1758
Map Cowrie
3-4" 7.5 cm
Uncommon
$3, pink base $6
Shell: The base color varies from fawn to reddish-pink showing through top pattern of fine brown lines. Can be identified by the bud-like branchings whick make the dorsal line look like a delicate vein. Prominent callused apex of spire.
Animal: Mantle is dark brown with pointed spikelike papillae, the siphon is lighter tan with pointed processes, the tentacles are slender, tapered, and bluntly pointed. Papillae towards the base are often branched.
Region: Indo-Pacific
Habitat: Under coral slabs and stones, three to six feet deep, with some specimins from eight fathoms.
Notes: One of the most handsomest of the Cowries. Rare, pink based form highly prized by collectors.
