 |
Home > Invertebrates
> Shells > Cowries
> Staphylaea semiplota
Updated 4/28/2026
Family
Cypraeidae
HAWAII - ENDEMIC
Staphylaea semiplota

HALF-SWIMMER COWRY
|
Rare on black
sponge under dead coral at any depth, it was fairly common until the
1980's.
The dorsum is smooth, extremities are pitted and dark brown, and light orange
teeth are elongated near both ends but never form ribs. The animal is
black. Attains 1.5 inches, 37 mm. Endemic to
Hawaii. Broadly oval shells are known as Cypraea semiplota
var. annae. Formerly known as Cypraea semiplota. |
|