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

Created 10/25/2023

Family Cypraeidae

 INDO-PACIFIC / HAWAII

Cypraea (Staphylaea) staphylaea



South Shore, O'ahu
   

GRAPE or STIPPLED COWRY

Common under rocks or rubble in shallow water, except Hawaii, where it was absent but now being collected more frequently.  Dark brown dorsum while fresh, quickly fading to gray.  The dorsal surface is glossy but covered by small granules, the base has orange teeth crossing the entire area.  Attains 30mm.  Red Sea to Japan, Hawaii, and French Polynesia.