Cypraeidae

The family Cypraeidae, commonly known as cowries, are marine snails belonging to the class Gastropoda. These snails are characterized by their thick, humped shells that are often beautifully colored and glossy, with inrolled, toothed apertural lips.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 (C. aurantium) was traditionally associated with royalty in Pacific Islands, and the money cowrie (C. moneta) has been used as currency in various parts of Africa and elsewhere. The genus Cypraea is the type genus for the family Cypraeidae.13