Tiger Cowrie Snail

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Widely distributed throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific, from East Africa and the Red Sea to Hawaii and Polynesia. Inhabits shallow coral reefs and rocky reefs.

Taxonomy: Member of the family Cypraeidae. A large gastropod species growing to 8-12 cm in length. Features a thick, glossy porcelain-like shell with a denticulate aperture. Grows to 10 cm.

Social Behavior: Peaceful, solitary, and primarily nocturnal. During the day it hides in dark reef caves. At night it crawls over rocks, extending its fleshy mantle to completely cover its shell.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Shell has a white or pale cream base covered with numerous dark brown or black spots. The soft mantle is greyish-black with branched sensory papillae. No visible sexual dimorphism.

Tank Setup: Requires a large, mature aquarium of 40-50 gallons or more. Rockwork must be secure to prevent displacement by its large shell. Provide spacious caves for daytime shelter.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous scraper. Feeds on film algae, macroalgae, detritus, sponges, and small anemones. Supplement with seaweed sheets (nori) and sinking pellets.

Water Quality: Stable reef parameters: SG 1.021-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4, temperature 22-28°C. Highly sensitive to copper treatments and elevated nitrates.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Semi-reef-safe. Large adults may consume small soft corals, anemones, or ornamental sponges. Compatible with peaceful fish and other large invertebrates.

Aquarium Breeding: Extremely difficult. Females lay egg capsules and guard them, but the pelagic veliger larval stage does not survive standard aquarium filtration.

Risks and Diseases: Low calcium or alkalinity preventing proper shell development and shine. Highly sensitive to copper treatments and rapid osmotic shock.