Mauritia maculifera (Linnaeus, 1758)
Reticulated cowry, 70mm

Mauritia maculifera is found throughout the Pacific but not the Indian Ocean. In Hawaii, it is common, particularly in shallow water along rough lava coastlines that get pounded with surf. It is the most common of the larger species of cowries found in Hawaii.

A juvenile spiny lobster snuggles up against a M. maculifera in a ledge at night.

The orange tube coral Tubastraea often shares the same habitat.

Shells are often seen with white or green patches, possible caused by animal damage in their rough environment.

We have also seen Mauritia maculifera in the Marshall Islands, where it tends to be much smaller.

Created 25 July 2010

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