Compton’s cowrie

Notocypraea comptonii

Sea Life Endemic IUCN: Not Evaluated

About

Can be found locally although not as common as Notocypraea angustata.Live Cowries can cover the outside of their shell with a thin mantle practically hiding the shell but can retract the mantle to show all of or part of the shell

Identification

A rounded egg shaped shell that is orangish brownish in colour with two darker bands around the middle and the bottom edge of the shell has a number of dark spots.

Size

The shell can grow up to around 30mm although typically smaller in ones found washed up

Habitat

Typically found under rocks on reefs to depths greater than 15m

Distribution

Southern Australia from WA to NSW including around Tasmania

Gallery

Select any photo or video to view it large with its details and credits.

Local Sightings

1 recorded sighting in and around the area.

References & citations (2)

Museums Victoria Staff (2010) Notocypraea comptonii Brown Cowry in Museums Victoria Collections (accessed 2022-12-29 10:44:53)
The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2022-12-29 10:47:33)

Quick Facts

Common name: Compton’s cowrie
Scientific name: Notocypraea comptonii (Gray, 1847)
Family: Cypraeidae
Category: Sea Life › Shellfish
Origin: Endemic
Conservation: Not Evaluated

Australian Faunal Directory

Tags

cowries gastropod

Information Website

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Header image: (CC BY-NC 4.0) © Ron Greer

Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into making sure identifications, descriptions, sizes, habitats and distribution details are as accurate as possible — but this information is ever-changing, so no guarantee is offered that it is correct or currently valid. Treat it as a guide and do a little of your own research for the latest word. Feedback and corrections are always welcome.