Common name: Tiger Cowrie

General Information

The Tiger Cowrie, scientifically known as Cypraea tigris, is a beautiful marine snail popular among shell collectors and marine enthusiasts. Its smooth, glossy shell with unique leopard-like spots makes it a standout addition to any marine collection or aquarium. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, the Tiger Cowrie is valued for both its aesthetic appeal and peaceful nature.

In marine ecosystems, the Tiger Cowrie serves as both a grazer and a prey species. In aquariums, it highlights the diversity of marine life and adds a unique element, particularly for hobbyists interested in mollusks. The shell of Cypraea tigris is smooth, shiny, and porcelain-like, reaching up to 15 cm in length, though most individuals average between 8 and 12 cm. The shell is oval with a rounded base, featuring a creamy to light brown color covered in dark brown or black spots. The underside is typically white, with a long, narrow opening (aperture) lined with fine teeth.

The mantle, which covers the shell when the animal is active, is soft and can extend to fully envelop the shell. It is often covered in papillae that aid in camouflage, making the cowrie difficult to spot when moving along the reef.

Care

Tiger Cowries are hardy and can adapt to various marine aquarium conditions. They prefer a well-established tank with plenty of live rock, which provides both food and hiding spots. As they are primarily nocturnal, providing a natural day-night cycle helps mimic their natural behavior.

A tank size of at least 100 liters is recommended to provide ample space for grazing. Ensure the tank is covered, as these snails may climb and explore, potentially escaping.

Diet and Feeding

In the wild, Tiger Cowries graze on algae and biofilm that covers rocks and other surfaces. In captivity, their diet can be supplemented with dried seaweed, algae wafers, and other plant-based foods. Maintaining natural algae growth in the tank is important to keep them well-fed.

Feeding should be done sparingly, as these snails are efficient grazers and can often find enough food in a well-maintained aquarium. Overfeeding can lead to water quality issues, so it's important to monitor their food intake and adjust as necessary.

Behavior and Compatibility

The Tiger Cowrie is nocturnal, hiding in crevices or under rocks during the day to avoid predators and becoming active at night to graze on algae, sponges, and detritus. It has a radula, a specialized tongue-like organ with tiny teeth, used to scrape food off hard surfaces.

In reef aquariums, Cypraea tigris helps control algae growth and scavenges for organic matter. However, caution is advised when keeping it with corals, as it may occasionally nibble on soft corals or sponges if food is scarce. Generally, Tiger Cowries are peaceful and coexist well with most other reef-safe species. They contribute to tank cleanliness by grazing on algae.

They should not be housed with aggressive fish or invertebrates that may harm them. Additionally, care should be taken to ensure they do not knock over corals or other delicate structures while moving around the tank.

Reproduction

Reproduction in Cypraea tigris is uncommon in captivity, as it requires specific environmental cues that are difficult to replicate. In the wild, females lay clusters of eggs that are tended by the adult until they hatch into free-swimming larvae, which eventually settle on the substrate and develop into juvenile snails.

Due to the difficulties in breeding them in aquariums, most cowries available in the trade are collected from the wild. Hobbyists should be mindful of sourcing them from sustainable suppliers.

Health and Common Issues

Tiger Cowries can live for several years in captivity with proper care. Choosing a healthy specimen involves selecting individuals with intact, glossy shells and active behavior. They are generally hardy but can be susceptible to poor water conditions and predation by aggressive tank mates.

Maintaining stable water parameters and a clean environment is crucial for their health. Regular water changes and monitoring of water quality will help prevent common issues such as shell erosion or fungal infections.

Habitat

Tiger Cowries naturally inhabit coral reefs and rocky substrates in the Indo-Pacific region, from the East African coast and the Red Sea to Polynesia, Japan, and Northern Australia. They are typically found in shallow coral reef environments, rocky intertidal zones, and seagrass beds, hiding under rocks or coral during the day and becoming active at night. They inhabit waters up to depths of 40 meters, favoring areas with good water movement and abundant algae and biofilm for grazing.

In captivity, replicating these conditions with stable temperatures, moderate water flow, and plenty of live rock will help ensure their well-being.