Description
The Gold-Ring Cowry (Cypraea annulus) is a species of sea snail, specifically a cowry, known for its striking appearance and ornamental value. Cowries are a type of marine gastropod mollusk, and they are famous for their glossy, brightly colored shells and have been used historically as currency, jewelry, and ornaments.
Here are some key characteristics and information about the Gold-Ring Cowry:
Appearance: The Gold-Ring Cowry has a glossy, egg-shaped shell with a bright, yellow-orange dorsum (the upper surface of the shell). It features a gold or golden-yellow ring-like pattern encircling the dorsum, giving it its common name. The shell's ventral side is often lighter in color.
Habitat: These cowries are typically found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, including the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific. They inhabit coral reefs, rocky substrates, and shallow coastal areas.
Diet: Gold-Ring Cowries are herbivorous and primarily feed on encrusting algae and other microorganisms found on coral reefs and rocky surfaces.
Behavior: Cowries are usually nocturnal and come out to feed at night. They have a soft, fleshy foot that allows them to glide over surfaces and access food.
Ornamental Use: Gold-Ring Cowry shells are highly prized for their beauty and are often collected for ornamental and decorative purposes. They are sometimes used in jewelry or as display pieces.
Marine Aquariums: While Gold-Ring Cowries have stunning shells, they are not commonly kept in marine aquariums. Their dietary preferences, the potential for disturbance due to handling, and specific habitat requirements can make them challenging to maintain in captivity.
These beautiful shells of the Gold-Ring Cowry have been historically collected and admired for their aesthetic qualities. However, it's important to consider the conservation and ethical aspects of collecting and keeping marine creatures like cowries, as many of these species play important ecological roles in their natural environments.
Here are some key characteristics and information about the Gold-Ring Cowry:
Appearance: The Gold-Ring Cowry has a glossy, egg-shaped shell with a bright, yellow-orange dorsum (the upper surface of the shell). It features a gold or golden-yellow ring-like pattern encircling the dorsum, giving it its common name. The shell's ventral side is often lighter in color.
Habitat: These cowries are typically found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, including the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific. They inhabit coral reefs, rocky substrates, and shallow coastal areas.
Diet: Gold-Ring Cowries are herbivorous and primarily feed on encrusting algae and other microorganisms found on coral reefs and rocky surfaces.
Behavior: Cowries are usually nocturnal and come out to feed at night. They have a soft, fleshy foot that allows them to glide over surfaces and access food.
Ornamental Use: Gold-Ring Cowry shells are highly prized for their beauty and are often collected for ornamental and decorative purposes. They are sometimes used in jewelry or as display pieces.
Marine Aquariums: While Gold-Ring Cowries have stunning shells, they are not commonly kept in marine aquariums. Their dietary preferences, the potential for disturbance due to handling, and specific habitat requirements can make them challenging to maintain in captivity.
These beautiful shells of the Gold-Ring Cowry have been historically collected and admired for their aesthetic qualities. However, it's important to consider the conservation and ethical aspects of collecting and keeping marine creatures like cowries, as many of these species play important ecological roles in their natural environments.
- Care level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet: Herbivore
- Reef Compatible: Yes
- Family: Cypraeidae
- Approximate Purchase Size: 1/2" to 1"