CHESTNUT COWRIE (Cypraea spadicea)
Habitat: Rocky intertidal zone from central California to Baja California.
Size: 4 cm (3 in) long
Position in food web: Omnivorous: Feeds on algae, anemones, sponges, and snail eggs. Prey for sea stars and other snails.
Interesting facts:
Chestnut cowries have a shiny, brown shell with a slit opening on the ventral (bottom) side, lined with teeth, no operculum
Has a spotted mantle that will emerge and cover the shell to prevent predators from being able to get a grip on the cowrie. Will retract mantle when feeling threatened.
The mantle of this snail also polishes the shell and keeps it smooth
This is the only true cowrie found in California waters, mostly found in tropical waters
Relatives: clams, octopuses, and nudibranchs