Common name: Serpent's head cowry

General information

The Money Cowrie, Monetaria caputserpentis, is a small to medium-sized marine gastropod known for its glossy and beautifully patterned shell. The common name 'Money Cowrie' is derived from its historical use as currency in various cultures. The shell's dorsal surface is usually cream or yellow with dark brown reticulated patterns, resembling a snake's head, which is reflected in another of its common names, 'Snake Head Cowrie'.

Care

In the aquarium, Money Cowries are relatively easy to care for. They are peaceful invertebrates that can be kept with a variety of tank mates. They require a tank with plenty of live rock and a sandy substrate where they can graze on algae and detritus. It's important to ensure that the aquarium is well-established with a stable environment, as sudden changes can stress these invertebrates.

Reproduction

Reproduction in Monetaria caputserpentis involves the female laying egg capsules on hard surfaces, which hatch into free-swimming larvae. These larvae will eventually settle and metamorphose into the adult form. In the aquarium, breeding is not commonly observed, and raising the larvae can be challenging due to their planktonic stage.

Symbiosis

While not known for any specific symbiotic relationships, cowries, in general, can contribute to the overall health of the reef aquarium by grazing on algae and helping to keep the tank clean.

Habitat

The Money Cowrie is found in tropical and subtropical waters across the Indo-Pacific region. They are often found in shallow reefs, seagrass beds, and sandy areas where they can blend in with their surroundings to avoid predators.