Naria ocellata

Lore & Background

The shells of Naria ocellata are oval and of medium thickness, with a smooth and shiny dorsum. The dorsal surface is typically fawn or cream, scattered with numerous white spots, a few of which have a black center. The base is whitish and often bears a brown blotch, while the pronounced margins display various fawn spots on a pale background. In living specimens, the mantle and foot are well developed. This species is quite uncommon. It inhabits tropical and subtropical zones, from shallow intertidal waters down to 90 meters depth, feeding on algae or coral polyps.

Reader's Guide

Naria ocellata is a species of cowry found in the northern Indian Ocean, with a range extending from the coasts of Mozambique and the Persian Gulf to southern India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, southern Java, and Melanesia. Its shells, averaging 25–30 mm in length but ranging from 14 mm to 57 mm, are recognized by their fawn or cream dorsum with white spots, some centered in black. The species lives in tropical and subtropical waters, from the intertidal zone to depths of 90 meters, where it feeds on algae or coral polyps. Its distinctive ocellate pattern and limited distribution make it a notable member of the Cypraeidae family.

Did You Know?

• The Latin name ocellata means 'eyed', referring to the black-centered white spots on the shell.
• Shells of this species range from 14 mm to 57 mm in length.
• It occurs in the northern Indian Ocean, from Mozambique to Melanesia.
• It feeds on algae or coral polyps in shallow to moderately deep waters.