Luria isabella (Linnaeus, 1758)
Isabella cowry, 30mm

Luria isabella is a common subtidal species in Hawaii and throughout the Indo-Pacific. On some reefs, it is the most common cowry observed. On deeper reefs (greater than 20m), small specimens sometimes called by the subspecific name atriceps can be commonly found. In the first photo below, a specimen was found in a cave among Balanophyllia corals during the day.

The next one was in a cave at night with Tubastraea corals. The cowry's black mantle is partly visible.

We have also seen Luria isabella in the Marshall Islands.

Created 25 July 2010

Kwajalein Underwater home