Cypraea tigris is a widespread Indo-Pacific species that reaches its maximum size in Hawaii. Specimens 150mm in length have been found, although more often they are between 100 and 125mm. Specimens from the leeward coast of the big island, like the one figured, seem to average a bit smaller. They were once not uncommon in Hawaii, but their large size makes it hard for them to hide and their numbers have declined. Hawaiian specimens have been given the subspecific name schilderiana due to their large size, but many consider them to just be large examples of the basic Cypraea tigris.
101.3mm shell.
We have also seen Cypraea tigris in the Marshall Islands.
Updated 4 May 2024