Home > Invertebrates > Shells > Cowries > Cypraea (Nucleolaria) hinuhinu

Updated 9/4/2023

Family Cypraeidae

HAWAII - ENDEMIC

Cypraea (Nucleolaria) hinuhinu 

Sharkfin, Lana'i, 25 feet, 22mm

 

GLOSSY GRANULATED COWRY

Very rare in caverns at any depth.  Glossy orange brown, inflated with protruding extremities, distinct marginal callous, prominent dorsal groove.  Attains nearly 1 inch.  Endemic to Hawaii.  This and Cypraea pseudonucleus belong to a Hawaiian species complex/range of hybrids between endemic Cypraea granulata and Indo-Pacific Cypraea nucleus.