Cypraeacea

The superfamily Cypraeacea, commonly known as cowries, are marine snails belonging to the class Gastropoda. These snails are characterized by their beautifully colored, glossy, and humped shells, with inrolled apertural lips that may be toothed.12

Cowries are primarily found in the coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Historically, certain species have held significant cultural and economic value. For instance, the golden cowrie (Cypraea aurantium) was traditionally worn by royalty in Pacific Islands, and the money cowrie (Cypraea moneta) served as currency in Africa and other regions. The genus Cypraea is the type genus for the family Cypraeidae, and these mollusks are known for their polished shells, often covered by the mantle lobes.13