Eglantine Cowrie

Mauritia eglantina

Eglantine Cowrie has an elongated, smooth, and shiny shell that typically measures between 44 and 52 millimeters in length, with a maximum size of 80 millimeters. The shell features a brown dorsum adorned with clear spots and thin longitudinal lines, including a prominent longitudinal band. The base of the shell can be white, pale pink, or pale brown, with brown dots along the edges. This species can be easily confused with Mauritia arabica due to similar characteristics. In its living state, the mantle is brown and thin, which adds to its distinct appearance underwater. This species is found in the Eastern Indian Ocean and Western Pacific Ocean, thriving in regions that include eastern Polynesia, Micronesia, the Samoa Islands, New Caledonia, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Northern Australia. Eglantine Cowrie prefers shallow waters, typically inhabiting lagoon reef habitats and coral rocks at depths ranging from 2 to 15 metres. Most recorded encounters occur in depths shallower than 40 meters, with a significant number at around 10 meters or less. Eglantine Cowrie is a benthic species, often found under slabs and stones. It reproduces by broadcasting its eggs, with embryos developing into planktonic larvae before maturing into adults. Divers may encounter this species while exploring coral reefs and lagoons, where they can observe its unique shell and behavior in its natural habitat. The conservation status of Eglantine Cowrie is not evaluated, but it is considered a common species in its range.