Cypraea tigris

Datasheet

General Description

The Tiger Cowrie, scientifically known as Cypraea tigris, boasts an egg-shaped, glossy shell adorned with distinct spots, displaying various colors based on its geographic origin. It lacks an operculum but features menacing tooth-like structures along its shell's opening. Typically, the mantle conceals the shell entirely, revealing a striking white and brown mottled pattern, while the mantle itself exhibits a fingerprint-like appearance in black and gray, adorned with numerous short papillae.

Aquarium Suitability

With its peaceful temperament and ease of care, the Tiger Cowrie is suitable for marine aquariums, particularly rock aquariums with ample hiding spots. Small Tiger Cowries consume algae and scavenged food, transitioning to a diet of anemones, sponges, and soft corals as adults. These creatures thrive best when housed with compatible tank mates like starfish, sea urchins, and tubeworms, but caution is advised against cohabitating with Condylactis sp. They require low nitrate levels and are intolerant of copper-based medications.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

The Tiger Cowrie presents minimal demands, making it an excellent choice for beginner aquarists. Maintaining stable water parameters within the recommended range of pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025, and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 8-12 is crucial for their well-being. Supplementing their diet with fish and mussel pieces is essential, alongside providing adequate calcium and trace elements to support their health.

Reef Suitability

Reef compatibility with the Tiger Cowrie is feasible with caution. These creatures can coexist in a reef setup, preferably with appropriate tank mates and careful consideration of their dietary preferences to prevent damage to corals and other sessile invertebrates.

Aquarium Setup

Creating an ideal aquarium setup for Tiger Cowries involves incorporating rocks and structures to provide hiding places and mimic their natural habitat. Ensuring a tank size of at least 113 liters allows ample space for these creatures to thrive comfortably while maintaining water conditions conducive to their well-being.

Behaviour

Tiger Cowries exhibit a peaceful temperament, moving leisurely within the aquarium and occasionally foraging for food, primarily during the night. Their unique mantle-retracting behavior and distinct coloration add intrigue to the aquarium environment, making them an attractive addition for enthusiasts.

Feeding and Diet

While small Tiger Cowries consume algae and scavenged particles, adult individuals require a varied diet consisting of anemones, sponges, soft corals, fish, and mussel pieces to meet their nutritional needs. Regular supplementation with calcium and trace elements is essential to support their growth and overall health.

Dimorphism and Captive Reproduction

In captivity, Tiger Cowries may exhibit dimorphic characteristics, showcasing variations in size and coloration between males and females. While captive reproduction of these creatures is possible under conducive conditions, it is a complex process requiring specialized care and attention to ensure successful breeding outcomes.

Habitat and Distribution

In the wild, Tiger Cowries are commonly found sheltered under rocks or resting on soft corals during the day, emerging to forage for food predominantly at night. Their distribution spans various regions, with differing colorations based on their specific habitats, reflecting the richness and diversity of marine ecosystems where these fascinating creatures reside.