[syn. Cypraea aurantium]Golden cowryCypraeidaeSamar, Philippines103 mmUndersidewww.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/6477933695/in/datetaken-...This was an expected gift from a friend in the PI.NOTE: I have not collected live shells since the mid-1970's. I believe that the animal itself is much more valuable alive than destroyed for its shell. It is for this reason that I will now only collect beach/forest shells from deceased specimens.
Fruit of the Moriche Palm, used for food, flavorings, wine and oil. Native to tropical South America. A wetland species, the seeds float. Photo from eastern Ecuador.
[syn. Cypraea aurantium]Golden cowryCypraeidaeSamar, Philippines103 mmDorsalwww.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/6477929309/in/datetaken-...This was an expected gift from a friend in the PI.NOTE: I have not collected live shells since the mid-1970's. I believe that the animal itself is much more valuable alive than destroyed for its shell. It is for this reason that I will now only collect beach/forest shells from deceased specimens.