Home > Invertebrates > Shells > Cowries > Cypraea (Staphylaea) semiplota

Updated 11/28/2021

Family Cypraeidae

HAWAII - ENDEMIC

Cypraea (Staphylaea) semiplota 

Mokapu, Oahu, 2 feet, 14mm

 



Ewa, Oahu




South Kohala, Hawaii

HALF-SWIMMER COWRY

Rare on black sponge under dead coral at any depth, it was fairly common until the 1980's.  Extremities are pitted and dark brown, light orange teeth distally elongate.  Attains 1 inch.  Endemic to Hawaii.  Broadly oval shells are known as Cypraea semiplota var. annae.