Cyprea Shells a wide variety from rare collector shells to the more common type
CYPREA SHELLS DESCRIBED, SIZES AND PRICES
Description Cyprea shells or the more common name Cowry Shell are the most universally collected shells. They are prized for their colors, glossy surface and markings. There are approximately two hundred species. The most abundant are in the tropics.
- In its first stage of growth the cowry develops a short pointed spire (a spire is the coiled part of the shell and it usually tapers to a point). As the shell grows the spire and its developing edge thickens. In its last stage of growth the edge thickens and it forms teeth along each side of the aperture (aperture is the opening at the front end of the shell).
- The basic shape of the Cyprea shell varies little. However, they vary greatly in size, color, pattern and the arrangement of the teeth along the aperture.
- HABITAT. Cyprea or Cowry shells are active at night and hide during daylite. They feed on algae near coral reefs.
- SPECIES, SIZES, PICTURES AND PRICES
Four Felina Cyprea shells 1/2 each......OUT OF STOCK
One Cyprea Shell, The Asellus collector shell 1/2 inch......$1.40
CYPREA SHELL BISTINOTATA The Cyprea Bistinotat is a Cowry shell. It is noted for its color and unusual markings Like other Cowry species, the Cyprea Bistinotata is active at night, prefers to live near coral reefs and is generally found across the Indo-Pacific region.
CYPREA BISTRINOTATA SIZE AND PRICE
One Cyprea shell, the Bistrinotata 1/2 inch......$1.65
CYPREA GUTTATA SHELL belongs to the Cowry shell family or scientific name Cypraeidae. Cyprea shells have been widely collected for centuries. They are sought for color, markings and glossy outer finish. The basic shape of the cowry varies little from species to species. They are night feeders on algae near coral reefs. The Cyprea Guttata shell is from the Indo Pacific rim ranging from the Indian Ocean to the Northern shores of Australia.
CYPREA GUTTATA SHELL SIZE AND PRICE
One Cyprea Guttata shell captured live 2 to 3 inches......$91
HELVOLA CYPREA COLLECTOR SHELL
Description This a small solid elliptical shell with a covex base, often called the Honey Cowry. The teeth on each side well developed. There are darker brown colors between aperture teeth The color pattern is a lilac or pale blue. It has large brown spots intermixed with pale spots. The brilliant colors fade in time after capture.
Habitat Lives in tropical waters between the Indian Ocean eastward to the northern shores of Australia/New Zealand. Some have been found in the Southern Japanese waters. The Helvola Cyprea shell, like other Cowries are nocturnal, living near coral and rocky sea floors.
CYPREA HELVOLA COLLECTOR SHELL SIZE AND PRICE
One Cyprea Helvola collector shells 1/2 inch...... .70
CYPREA ISABELA COLLECTOR SHELL SIZE AND PRICE
One Isabela collector shell 3/4 to 1 inch......$.70
CYPREA LUTEA COLLECTOR SHELL
The Cyprea shell, Lutea belongs to the Cowry family
The Cyprea Lutea is found in the Indo-Pacific rim. These were collected near the Philippines.
CYPREA LUTEA COLLECTOR COWRY SHELL SIZE AND PRICE
One Cyprea Lutea collector shell 1/2 inch......OUT OF STOCK
The Cyprea Mappa pink base is found in the Indo-Pacific region from the Indian Ocean east to the North Australian/New Zealand shores. ,br> CYPREA MAPPA SHELL PINK BASED SIZE AND PRICE
One Cyprea Mappa pink base specimen shell 3 to 4 incnes......$3.85
The Cyprea shell, Nucleus belongs to the gastropod Cowry shell family.
Cyprea shells have been popular among collectors and tourists for many years. They are popular due to the glossy outside shell, color and markings.
The basic shape of the Cowry shell varies little; but they differ in size, color and markings.
Habitat. The Cyprea Nucleus shells are active at night. They hide behind rocks deep in coral reefs. They range from the Indian Ocean east to the northern Australian shores.
CYPREA NUCLEUS COLLECTOR SHELL SIZE AND PRICE
One Cyprea Nucleus collector shell 1/2 inch......$3.50
CYPREA PALIDULLA COLLECTOR SHELL
Range Indian Ocean to Northern Australian shores. Nocturnal (active at night) and feeds on algae. Prefers to hide in coral or rock crevices during the day.
Cyprea Palidulla are gastropods belonging to the Cowry family of shells. CYPREA PALIDULLA COLLECTOR SHELL SIZE AND PRICE
One Cyprea Palidulla collector shells 1/2 to 1 inch......$.35
ulCyprea Poraria
What is a Cyprea Poraria shell? This shell is in the family Cypraeidae Cowry shells. The Cowry family of shells is a small family of about 200species. The Cypraeidae family is the most collected of all seashells. They have a combination of form, texture and color which makes them so appealing to the collector. Most of the Cyprea species are found in tropical seas on or near reefs. Most live in the intertidal region hiding during the day and feeding at night. Cyprea, including theBistrinotata species, feeds on algae, sponges, dead organic matter and other molluscs. The most distinguishing feature of the Cyprea (Cowry) is the ornamentation with various designs and coloration which camouflage the animal from predators. The Cowry retracts the mantle into the shell when disturbed. The mantle of the Cyprea Poraria is thick, muscular with unique coloration.
The listing picture. The picture captures the color and markings of the Poraria shell. The under side of the shell is flat and classic Cowry.
CYPREA PORARIA COLLECTOR SHELL SIZE AND PRICE One Cyprea Poraria collector shells 1/2 inch......$.45
CYPREA STOLIDA COLLECTOR SHELL
Description. Cyprea Stolida is a gastropod. It belongs to the Cowry shell family. This species is rare. It was collected live near Santa Roita Island of the Philippines. They are popular among collectors for their color and outer shell design.
Habitat. This particular species found near the Philippines. They range thoughout the Indo-Pacific region; from the Indian Ocean east to the Northern Australian/New Zealand shores. Like other Cowry shells they are nocturnal and feed on algae. The Cyprea Stolida prefers coral reefs or rock sea floors to hide during the day.
- CYPREA STOLIDA COLLECTOR SHELL SIZE AND PRICE
- One Cyprea Stolida collector shell captured live 3/4 inch......$7.00
CYPREA TALPA SHELL,again is part of the Cowry family of shells. Other details of habitat is the same as the other cowry shells described earlier.
CYPREA TALPA SHELL SIZE AND PRICE One Cyprea Talpa shell 2 to 3 inches......$1.15
CYPREA TERES COLLECTOR SHELLS
Description. Gastropod belonging to the Cowry family of shells. Noted for its color and top shell markings. This shell is fairly rare.
Habitat Like most other Cowry shells they are found in the Indo-Pacific region; ranging from the Eastern African Coast to the Northern Australian shores. The prefer coral reefs or rocky sea floors. The Cyprea Teres like other Cowry shells are nocturnal (active at night) feeding on algae.
- CYPREA TERES COLLECTOR SHELLS SIZE AND PRICE
One Cyprea Teres collector shell 1 inch......$2.45
CYPRAEA ARGUS LINNAEUS SHELL (COWRY FAMILY)
- The Cyprea Argus belongs to the Cowry shell family. This shell is heavy for its size with a broadly cylindrical body whorl and a slight convex base.
The under side of the shell reveal its teeth. The teeth are long and thin, longest on the outer lip situated just above the apertures widest part
- The Cyprea Argus color. Has four dark brown blotches on the under side laying on a light brown base. Pale brown bands are overlaid with brown cirles (hence its nick name Eyed Cowry).
The cyprea Argus prefers coral reefs. They are mostly found across the Indo_Pacific region from the Indian Ocean east to the Northern shores of Australia/New Zealand.
CYPREA ARGUS COLLECTOR SHELL SIZE AND PRICE
One Cyprea Argus collector shell 3 inches......$4.95
CYPRAEA CRIBRARIA SHELL (COWRY FAMILY)
- The Cyprea Cribraria belongs to the Cowry shell family. This shell is heavy for its size with a broadly cylindrical body whorl and a slight convex base.
The under side of the shell reveal its teeth. They can be seen in the listing picture.
- The Cyprea Cribraria color. Top of shell has white spots with honey brown background and white or light cream on the under side of shell.
The Cyprea Cribraria prefers coral reefs. They are mostly found across the Indo_Pacific region from the Indian Ocean east to the Northern shores of Australia/New Zealand.
CYPREA CRIBRARIA COLLECTOR SHELL SIZE AND PRICE
One Cyprea Cribraria collector shell 1/2 inche......$4.25
CYPREA SAULAE SPECIMEN SHELL CAPTURED LIVE IN 50 FEET OF WATER OFF BOHOL ISLAND PHILIPPINES SIZE AND PRICE
One Specimen shell Cyprea Saulae 1 inch......$14
Cyprea Shell, Aurantium GmelinWhat is a Cyprea Aurantium shell? The Cyprea shell, Aurantium belongs to the Cowry shell family. It is a true collector shell found in the Indo-Pacific region. It likes to creep along the ocean bottom on the outer side of reefs. They grow to an average size of 3 inches. This is a highly coveted shell for collectors. These shells, until recently have been a rare find. The Cowry family of shells is a Gastropod (one shell animal). Cowry shells have a rounded top and flat bottom. Cowry shells are a smooth shell with colorful markings. Many such as the Cypraea Aurantium have been used as jewelry. The listing picture. The picture perfectly shows the deep orange top shell with a creamy under belly. The under side of the shell is flat and classic Cowry. These Cypraea Aurantium have some stress lines but this is normal for the species. CYPRAEA AURANTIUM SPECIMEN SHELL SIZES AND PRICES
One Cypraea Aurantium shell 3 to 3 1/4 inches......$112
One Cypraea Aurantium shell 3 1/2 to 4 inches......$126
One Cypraea Aurantium shell 3 1/2 to 4 inches......$126
We sell only fine quality collector shells. All Collector Shells are rated Fine or better. Use the HMS-ISGS grading system.
CYPREA SHELL, SCURRA belongs to the Cowry family of shells (Cypraeidae). This is also an Indo Pacific tropical shell that night feeds on algae. Habitat is around coral reefs.
- CYPREA SCURRA SHELL SIZE AND PRICE
One Cyprea Scurra shell 1 1/2 inches......$8.40
CYPRAEA MAURITIANA LINNAEUS SHELL
The Cyprea Mauritiana belongs to the Cowry shell family. It is often referred to as the Humpback Cowry.
This shell is thick, heavy and has a humped back
The Cyprea Mauritiana's color is cream, overlaid with dense brown. There are rounded often fused light colored spots. The margins, base and teeth are dark brown with lighter spaces between the teeth.
The Cyprea shell, Mauritiana lives in the Indo-Pacific region which is from the Indian Ocean east to the North shores of Austrailia and Newzealand.
CYPREA MAURITIANA SHELL SIZE AND PRICE
One Cyprea Mauritiana specimen shell 3 inches......$2.10
CYPREA SHELL, TESTUDINARIA
Shell type Gastropod. A Gastropod is a mollusk that produces a single shell. It belongs to the Cowry family of shells.
Cyprea shell shape varies little but there is wide differences in the size, color and pattern. The Cyprea Testudinaria is popular for its unique pattern.
Habitat This species is active at night, found in the Indo-Pacific region near coral reefs. They feed on algae.
CYPREA TESTUDINARIA SIZE AND PRICE
One Cyprea Testudinaria collector shell 4 to 5 inches........$4.25
|
