Spotted Cowrie

Macrocypraea zebra

Macrocypraea zebra is a distinctive cowry species characterized by its long oval shell, which typically measures between 60 to 70 millimeters in length. The shell's basic color is brown, adorned with three wide dark brown bands and numerous white-bluish spots, which become ocellated on the sides. The interior of the shell may display a purple hue, while the mantle of the living cowry is greyish and can cover the entire shell. This species can be distinguished from similar species like Macrocypraea cervus and Macrocypraea cervinetta by the presence of ocellated spots on its sides, which are absent in those species. Spotted Cowries are found in the Atlantic Ocean, ranging from North Carolina and Florida to the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and as far south as Brazil. They inhabit tropical low intertidal and subtidal waters, often residing on coral reefs or under rocks, with recorded depths ranging from 0 to 37 meters. They thrive in a variety of substrates, including coral, algae, and seagrass beds. In terms of reproduction, Macrocypraea zebra is a broadcast spawner, with embryos developing into planktonic larvae before maturing into adults. Divers may encounter these cowries while exploring reef environments, where they can be seen resting on the substrate or partially hidden under rocks. The species is considered uncommon.