Central and South Florida Gastropod Seashell Identification Guide: Cowries and Flamingo Tongues

This guide should serve to teach the public how to identify local Central and South Florida gastropod seashells.

Cowries and Flamingo Tongues

(Superfamily) Cypraeoidea

Distinguishing Characteristics: When mature, the body whorl surrounds the spire, leaving a slit-like aperture and giving the shell a uniform look. The shells are very shiny and smooth.

Habitat: These snails live on water up to 50 feet deep, primarily on rocky seabeds.

Diet: This family feeds upon sponges and gorgonians.

Interesting Facts: The cowries have been used as a form of money by cultures around the globe and are often used to make necklaces.

Scientific Name: Macrocypraea zebra

Common Name: Measled Cowrie

Distinguishing Characteristics: Shell elongated, brown, and speckled with white dots, giving the species its common name. The largest white dots will sometimes have brown centers, especially along the sides. Maximum size 4 inches.

Scientific Name: Luria cinerea

Common Name: Atlantic Gray Cowrie

Distinguishing Characteristics: Shell has a rounder shape, and is a creamy brown with horizontal lighter bands. Side of shell often speckled with brown or black spots. Maximum size around 2 inches.

Scientific Name: Cyphoma gibbosum

Common Name: Flamingo Tongue

Distinguishing Characteristics: The ends of the shell are extended, giving the shell a boxier shape as compared to the cowries. A thick ridge arises perpendicular to the aperture, Shell is orange to white. Maximum size 2 inches.

Measled Cowrie

Atlantic Gray Cowrie

Flamingo Tongue