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'''Cypraea moneta''', commonly known as the 'Money Cowry', is a marine gastropod of the genus ''Cypraea''. It is a very common species found in Indo-Pacific tropical waters. It is a small (20-40 mm long) cowry, the shell of which was commonly used as a medium of exchange in many tropical areas of Africa, Asia and the Pacific islands until the late 19th century. It continues to be used today in native jewelry and for decoration of items such as baskets and wall hangings.

Contents

Habitat

External Links

Habitat

This mollusk species can be found on and under rocks in shallow water and on exposed reefs at low tide. Like all cowries, it feeds on algae and marine vegetation growing on loose rocks and pieces of dead coral. It is white to straw-colored, and sometimes has a gold-colored ring around the dorsum similar to the gold ring found on ''Cypraea annulus'' (gold ringed cowry).

External Links

★ cowrys.org

★ cypraea moneta

★ More habitat info

★ Shell money