Tiger Cowrie

(Cypraea tigris)

Tiger Cowrie (Cypraea tigris)

Tiger Cowrie (Cypraea tigris)

This is the Tiger Cowrie (Cypraea tigris), a large marine gastropod mollusc in the family Cypraeidae. Recognisable by its smooth, glossy, egg- or pear-shaped shell, the dorsal surface is cream to buff, densely covered with dark brown to nearly black rounded spots; shells may reach up to around 15 cm in length.

Location:
Indo-Pacific region—from the eastern coast of Africa across the Indian Ocean to Micronesia, Polynesia, the Coral Sea, the Philippines, northern Australia (including Lord Howe Island), and beyond. Found on coral reefs or sandy areas near healthy coral, especially the flat, table-like Acropora, usually at depths of 10 to 40 metres.

Average Size:
Shells generally range from about 8 cm to a maximum of approximately 15 cm in length.

Family:
Cypraeidae (Cowries)

Species:
Cypraea tigris

Ecological Role:
Adults are mainly carnivorous, feeding on corals, sponges, and various invertebrates; juveniles predominantly eat algae. Though many cowries are nocturnal and hide during the day, large individuals have also been observed grazing in daylight hours.

Reproduction:
Separate sexes with internal fertilisation. Females brood over deposited egg masses for around 7 to 17 days; larvae hatch as veligers (~200–240 µm in size) and have a planktonic phase—studies achieved rearing up to about 37 days in culture but without successful settlement in early experiments. More recent efforts (2024) have accomplished captive breeding through to juvenile settlement under optimal conditions.

Conservation Status:
Locally endangered in regions such as Singapore due to shell collecting and habitat destruction, including dynamite fishing (an illegal and highly destructive fishing method where explosives are used) and reef degradation. It remains popular among collectors and used historically in ornamentation and cultural practices.