Cypraea pantherina

Description

This quite common species looks very similar to Cypraea tigris, but its shell is more slender and lighter. The shells of Cypraea pantherina reach on average 57 - of length, with a minimum size of 37 mm and a maximum size of 118 mm. The shape of these shells is roughly elongate-pyriform. They are quite heavy for their size. The dorsum surface is smooth and shiny, usually whitish or pale brown, densely covered with dark brown circular spots. A blurred longitudinal reddish line runs along the midline where the two halves of the mantle meet in life.

However, the basic colors of the shell are very variable, as they range from melanic or chestnut red to albino. The lower margins are rounded and the ventral side is white or whitish, with several long and fine teeth along the aperture.

In live animals the mantle is thin and quite transparent, with many longitudinal slight lines and numerous long and white sensorial papillae. The lateral extensions of the mantle may cover the shell completely, meeting at the midline of the dorsum. The mantle can also be withdrawn into the shell opening when the cowry is threatened.

Distribution

The panther cowry is endemic to the Red Sea (off Egypt and Sudan), Gulf of Aqaba, Dahlak Islands and Gulf of Aden). Its range does not overlap with Cypraea tigris. This species has also become established in the Mediterranean Sea (Lampedusa Island and Malta), probably having entered through the Suez Canal.

Habitat

Cypraea pantherina lives in clear water at 3 - of depth, mainly on coral colonies or sandy sea floor, feeding on coral polyps, various invertebrates and algae, but also on dead organic matter.

Subspecies and forms

• Cypraea pantherina pantherina Lightfoot, 1786
  • Cypraea pantherina pantherina form albonitens Melvill, J.C., 1888
  • Cypraea pantherina pantherina form catulus Schilder, F.A., 1924
  • Cypraea pantherina pantherina form funebralis Sulliotti, G.R., 1924
  • Cypraea pantherina pantherina form nigrovinosa Vayssière, A.J.B.M., 1923
• Cypraea pantherina rasnasraniensis Heiman & Mienis, 2001

References

• Lorenz F. & Hubert A. - A guide to worldwide cowries. Edition 2. Hackenheim: Conchbooks. 584 pp

References

1. Plouin, S.. ((2004)). Relation précoce avec le Picenum: une cyprée (Cypraea pantherina) de l’Océan indien dans une tombe aristocratique hallstattienne d’Alsace (Nordhouse, Bas-Rhin, France). Preistoria Alpina., v. 40 (Suppl. 1), pp. 101-106. ISSN 0393-0157
2. Gofas S & Zenetos A . (2003). Exotic Molluscs in the Mediterranean Basin: Current status and perspectives. In: Gibson R N & Atkinson R J A Oceanography and Marine Biology; An Annual Review Volume 41. London : Taylor & Francis. p.240 {{ISBN. 0-203-23081-7 (PDF format) {{ISBN. 0-415-25463-9 (print edition)
3. "''Cypraea pantherina pantherina''".
4. "''Cypraea pantherina pantherina albonitens''".
5. "''Cypraea pantherina pantherina catulus''".
6. "''Cypraea pantherina pantherina funebralis''".
7. [http://www.gastropods.com/2/Shell_40392.shtml : ''Cypraea pantherina pantherina nigrovinosa''] {{Webarchive. link. (2015-09-30 ; accessed : 21 October 2010)
8. [http://www.gastropods.com/2/Shell_15522.shtml Gastropods.com : ''Cypraea pantherina rasnasraniensis''] {{Webarchive. link. (2015-09-30 ; accessed : 21 October 2010)