Contracted Cowry Helmet

Cypraecassis coarctata (G.B. Sowerby, 1825), is a member of the Cassidae Family of Helmet Shells, that that is also known as the Narrow-mouthed Helmet. A synonym is Cassis coarctata.

Description

They are cylindrical to egg-shaped with a low pointed spire.The exterior of the shell is sculpted with four rows of tubercles running the length of the body whorl and there are also finer lines spiraling down the whorl, between the tubercles. The aperture is wider at the anterior end, contracting toward the spire and the siphon canal is sharply bent. The exterior of the shell is cream to beige in color, with dark brown to reddish-brown mottling; the aperture is yellowish to orange. The Contracted Cowry Helmet Shells reach a maximum length of 8.9 cm (3.5 inches).

Distribution

They are found throughout the Sea of Cortez, and south to Peru; they have not been documented from coastal waters along the west coast of Baja.

Habitat

Contracted Cowry Helmets are found on and within sand substrate in the intertidal zone to depths up to 100 feet.