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indopacificseashells.com
CYPRAEIDAE (Cowries)
OVULIDAE,TRIVIIDAE(Allied Cowries)
Cypraea broderipii |
This family is the most popular of all marine gastropods. The stunning pattern range and glossy polish of these shells has entranced man for thousands of years. There are numerous prized specimens from this family, some fetching thousands of dollars. Cypraea aurantium (Golden Cowrie) has always been a sought after specimen for any collection although, it has become more common now with specimens like broderipi and some of the Western Australian Zoila family assuming the mantle of most prized. They range in size from 5mm to 129mm and live in tropical to temperate waters and live in the intertidal zone on coral reefs to the ocean depths (200mts) The Family comprises approximately 200 species and is a very special part of any collection.
ALLIED COWRIES: The Ovulids(Egg and Spindle Cowries) and Trivia(Bean Cowries) are close relations to the true Cowries with approximately 200 Ovulid and Trivia species. The Ovulids tend to like tropical waters and the Trivias live in tropical and temperate locations.The Ovulids live and feed on soft and hard corals and the Trivias seem to have a similar lifestyle to true Cowries. Very little is known of this Family.
Cyp. broderipii - 78.9mm, F+++, $3,700 SOLD
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CYPRAEA - ZOILA
Cyp venusta roseopunctata - 68mm, $450 BEAUTIFUL CANDY PINK COLOR!!!! See - ZOILA Page
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Cyp. eludens - 64.2mm, $1800 STUNNING SPECIMEN!!! See - ZOILA Page |
Cyp. moretonensis - 65mm, Gem-, Queensland. ONE OF THE RAREST CYPRAEA IN THE WORLD $4,500 SOLD |
Cyp. barclayi - 26.4mm, Gem-, $1,400 SOLD |
Cyp. barclayi -25.8mm, Gem, $1,400 SOLD |
Cyp. owenii menkeana - 15.2mm, Gem, $1,300 A BEAUTY!!! |
This species rarely for sale, possibly extinct. |
VERY RARE SPECIES
Cyp. iutsui atlantica - 30mm, Gem-, South Africa, $1,250 |
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Cyp. valentia - 84.5mm, Gem-, Philippines. $650 BIG BEAUTY!!! |
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Cyp. valentia - 84mm, Gem, Dark brown dorsum pattern with lovely mauve margins. $700 SOLD STUNNING SPECIMEN!!!
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Cyp. testudinaria - 120.5mm, Gem, Philippines. $15 This species, because it is common, is not really appreciated. The color and pattern in this species is magnificent. BIG BEAUTY!!!!! |
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Cyp. testudinaria - 82.7mm, Gem, New Guinea. $15 SOLD STUNNING DWARF!!!!
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Cyp. testudinaria - 83mm, Gem, Solomon Is. Large brown side pblotch.$30 STUNNING DWARF!!!! |
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Cypraea aurantium - 105mm, F+, Phillipines, This is big. Has growth lines on the labral side. $80 JUMBO!!!! |
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Cypraea aurantium - 87mm, F++, Philippines. $90 SOLD GREAT PRICE!!!! |
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Cypraea aurantium - 99.2mm, F++, Philippines. $90 |
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Cypraea aurantium - 86mm, F++/F+++, Philippines. $90 SOLD LITTLE BEAUTY!!! |
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Cypraea aurantium - 85mm, F++, Philippines. $70 |
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Cypraea aurantium - 91mm, F++, Philippines. $60 |
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Cypraea aurantium - 92mm, F+, Philippines. $40 |
Page 1.
SEE ZOILA PAGE (at top) FOR - VENUSTA, FRIENDI, THERSITES, MARGINATA ETC.
SEE NIGER/ROSTRATE PAGE (at top)
SEE TIGRIS, MAPPA, PANTHERINA PAGES (at top) FOR EXCEPTIONAL SPECIMENS.
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