Home > Invertebrates > Shells > Cowries > Cypraea (Monetaria) moneta

Updated 3/19/2014

Family Cypraeidae

INDO-WEST PACIFIC / HAWAII

Cypraea (Monetaria) moneta

Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, 2 feet, 28mm

 

Kaiona, Oahu, 1 foot, 19mm

 

Money Cowry, Sandy Beach

Waimanalo, Oahu, 1 foot

 

 

Makapu'u tidepool, Oahu

 

Kahalu'u tidepool, Hawaii

Kahalu'u tidepool, Hawaii

 

Moku o Loe, Kaneohe Bay, Oahu

 



Kaloko, Oahu


Kaloko, Oahu


Juvenile, Halepalaoa, Lana'i, 4 feet

MONEY COWRY

Rare except on Maui and Hawaii, it is abundant everywhere else in the Indo-West Pacific.  Used as currency in many countries until the 1800's.  Found exposed during the day on weed-covered rocks on silty sand or wave benches in shallow water.  Has an attractive zebra-striped mantle.  Attains 1.5 inch.