Home > Invertebrates > Shells > Cowries > Talparia talpa

Updated 4/28/2026

Family Cypraeidae

INDO-PACIFIC / HAWAII

Cypraea (Talparia) talpa

Juvenile, North Shore, Oahu, 30 feet

 


North Oahu, 73 mm
(David Lum collection)

North Oahu, 20 feet

 
 
   
   

MOLE COWRY

Uncommon in Hawaii under dead coral or within deep crevices at any depth, common elsewhere.  Attains 4.1 inches, 105 mm.  Red Sea to Japan, Hawaii, and the Society Islands.  Formerly known as Cypraea talpa.