This article has multiple issues. Please help
improve it or discuss these issues on the
talk page. (
Learn how and when to remove these template messages)
|
Callistocypraea aurantium | |
---|---|
A lateral view of a shell of Callistocypraea aurantium, anterior end towards the left | |
Dorsal view of a shell of Callistocypraea aurantium, anterior end to the right | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Mollusca |
Class: | Gastropoda |
Subclass: | Caenogastropoda |
Order: | Littorinimorpha |
Family: | Cypraeidae |
Genus: | Callistocypraea |
Species: | C. aurantium
|
Binomial name | |
Callistocypraea aurantium (
Gmelin, 1791)
| |
Synonyms [1] | |
Callistocypraea aurantium, (formerly classified inside genus lyncina) common name the golden cowrie, is a species of sea snail, a cowry, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Cypraeidae, the cowries. [2]
This is an uncommon-to-rare species which is found in the tropical waters of the west-central to south-central Pacific Ocean.[ citation needed]
This animal is usually found on the ocean side of islands, on the reef, at depths of 30 to 100+ feet.[ citation needed] It normally hides in the coral during daylight and comes out to feed at night.[ citation needed]
This is a large cowry, 80 to 100 mm (3.1 to 3.9 in) long.[ citation needed] The shell that is yellowish brown to reddish orange on the dorsum, with white to cream colored margins.[ citation needed] The mantle of the golden cowry is a combination of dark gray with translucent spots and patches that the orange color of the shell shows through.[ citation needed] The scattered branching papillae are brownish gray, often white at the bases and tips.[ citation needed]
In the past, on the Fiji Islands, this shell, known as "bulikula", was drilled at the ends and worn on a string around the neck by chieftains as a symbol of rank or privilege. [3] As the shells are rare, they are prized by collectors.[ citation needed]