Common name: Tiger Cowry

General information

The Tiger Cowrie, Cypraea tigris, is a large sea snail belonging to the family Cypraeidae. It is one of the most recognizable cowries due to its large size and attractive pattern. The shell of the Tiger Cowrie is smooth, shiny, and oval-shaped, with a long, narrow opening. It is usually cream-colored with many dark brown spots, resembling a tiger's coat, which is where it gets its common name.

Tiger Cowries are nocturnal and tend to hide under rocks or in crevices during the day. At night, they emerge to feed, primarily on algae and dead animal matter, making them excellent scavengers for the reef aquarium.

Care

In the aquarium, Tiger Cowries require a well-established environment with plenty of live rock and a sandy substrate to mimic their natural habitat. They are generally hardy and can adapt to a range of water conditions, but they do best in stable, clean systems with regular water changes.

It's important to note that larger Tiger Cowries may inadvertently damage or consume sessile invertebrates such as soft corals, so they should be added to a reef tank with caution.

Reproduction

Tiger Cowries are gonochoric, meaning individuals are distinctly male or female. They reproduce by releasing eggs and sperm into the water column, where fertilization occurs. The larvae then go through a planktonic stage before settling to the substrate and metamorphosing into juvenile snails.

Symbiosis

While not known for a specific symbiotic relationship like clownfish and anemones, Tiger Cowries do play a role in the ecosystem by cleaning up detritus and algae, which can benefit other tank inhabitants by reducing competition for resources and maintaining water quality.

Habitat

Tiger Cowries are found in tropical and subtropical oceans around the world, typically in coral reef environments. They prefer to dwell in shallow waters but can be found at depths of up to 20 meters.