Home > Invertebrates > Shells > Cowries > Luria isabella

Updated 4/28/2026

Family Cypraeidae

INDO-PACIFIC / HAWAII

Luria isabella

Punalu'u, Oahu, 6 feet, 30 mm

 

Ma'ili Point, Oahu, 20 feet, 36 mm

 

Makapu'u, Oahu, 2 feet, 39 mm

 

Lanai Lookout, Oahu, 15 feet, 35 mm

 

Makapu'u tidepool, Oahu 

 

Eggs, Makapu'u, Oahu, 20 feet

 

ISABELLA COWRY

Common within dead coral, small holes, rubble, or under stones at any depth.  Hawaiian shells have dark brown terminal spots while those from other localities are orange, and black lines vary between individuals.  The black mantle has tiny papillae and appears like velvet.  Attains 2.1 inches, 54 mm, but most are half as large.  Red Sea to Japan, Hawaii, and French Polynesia.  Formerly known as Cypraea isabella.