Mauritia maculifera (Linnaeus, 1758)
Reticulated cowry, 75mm

Mauritia maculifera is found throughout the Pacific but not the Indian Ocean. In Hawaii, it is common, particularly in shallow water along rough lava coastlines that get pounded with surf. It is the most common of the larger species of cowries found in Hawaii. Specimens tend to be larger than those found elsewhere; they are usually distinctly larger than specimens from the Marshall Islands, although it is the same subspecies, Mauritia maculifera maculifera.

Mantle partially extended.

A juvenile spiny lobster snuggles up against a M. maculifera in a ledge at night.

The orange tube coral Tubastraea often shares the same habitat.

Shells are often seen with white or green patches, possible caused by animal damage in their rough environment.

74.5mm specimen below.

Created 25 July 2010
Updated 28 April 2022

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