Beachcombers Field Guide - Department Of Fisheries Western ...
Beachcombers Field Guide - Department Of Fisheries Western ...
Beachcombers Field Guide - Department Of Fisheries Western ...
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Cowry shell<br />
Mollusca – Gastropoda<br />
Popular with shell<br />
collectors due to their polished<br />
colourful shells, cowries generally live<br />
on sheltered inshore reefs. Young cowries<br />
have a fragile shell that is obviously<br />
spirally coiled. However, this shape is<br />
hidden as the last coil of the shell wraps<br />
around and hides the juvenile whorls.<br />
Cowries feed mostly at night, mainly on<br />
sponges. There are more<br />
than 60 species<br />
living along<br />
the <strong>Western</strong><br />
Australian<br />
coast.<br />
Photo: Ann Storrie<br />
Did you know?<br />
The shiny adult shell is due to<br />
a glassy layer that is secreted by<br />
the mantle fl aps. These fl aps slide<br />
up to cover the sides and top of the<br />
shell, only withdrawing when danger<br />
threatens. When the animal dies this<br />
shiny glaze is lost over time.
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