Common name: bull mouth helmet

General information

The Bull's Mouth Helmet Shell, Cypraecassis rufa, is a large and striking marine gastropod known for its robust, helmet-like shell. This species is often sought after by collectors and aquarists alike for its beautiful red to orange coloration and intricate patterns. The shell's interior is smooth and shiny, often used in the creation of cameos, hence the name "Cameo Shell".

Care

C. rufa requires a spacious tank with a sandy substrate to mimic its natural environment. It is a carnivorous species, feeding primarily on echinoderms such as sea urchins and starfish. In captivity, they can be fed frozen or fresh seafood, but care should be taken to ensure a balanced diet. They are sensitive to water quality, so regular water changes and monitoring are essential.

Reproduction

In the wild, C. rufa lays eggs in clusters on hard substrates. The larvae go through a planktonic stage before settling to the bottom and developing into juveniles. Breeding in captivity is rare, but with optimal conditions, it is possible to observe their reproductive behavior.

Habitat

The Bull's Mouth Helmet Shell is found in tropical and subtropical waters, often in coral reefs or rocky areas where it can find its prey. They are typically found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 30 meters deep.

Geographical distribution includes the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific Ocean.