Common name: Gold Ringer

General information

The Money Cowrie, Monetaria annulus, is a small and attractive marine gastropod that is popular among shell collectors and reef aquarium hobbyists. Its common name comes from its historical use as currency in various cultures. The shell is typically up to 3 cm in length, glossy, and has a distinctive yellow and white ring pattern that makes it easily recognizable.

Care

Money Cowries are relatively easy to maintain in a reef aquarium. They require stable water conditions and benefit from a well-established tank with plenty of live rock and a sandy substrate where they can graze on algae and detritus. They are peaceful invertebrates and should be kept with non-aggressive tank mates.

Reproduction

In the wild, Money Cowries are gonochoristic, meaning individuals are distinctly male or female. They reproduce by releasing eggs and sperm into the water column, where fertilization occurs externally. In the aquarium, breeding is less common but can occur if conditions are favorable.

Habitat

Monetaria annulus is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the eastern coast of Africa, across the Indian Ocean, to the western Pacific. They inhabit shallow coral reefs and lagoons, often hiding during the day and becoming more active at night.