Home > Invertebrates > Shells > Cowries > Staphylaea semiplota

Updated 4/28/2026

Family Cypraeidae

HAWAII - ENDEMIC

Staphylaea semiplota 

Mokapu, Oahu, 2 feet, 14 mm

 



Ewa, Oahu






South Kohala, Hawaii


   

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.