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In this article we will discuss about the structure of Cowries (Cyprea) with the help of a diagram.
1. Commonly known as “cowries” and are found among coral reefs in Indian and pacific oceans.
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2. Shell external, shiny, convoluted brightly polished and remains lined internally by mantle so long the animal is alive.
3. Mantle bears numerous sensory papillae or papillate tentacles.
4. Head distinct and bears a pair of long oral tentacles on which stalked eyes are attached.
5. In the young stages a large siphon is also present in front.
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6. They usually have one auricle, one nephridium and one gill.
7. Operculum is absent and spire is only found in young stages.
8. The shells are used for decoration and as game. In ancient times, however, they were used in place of money arid as ornaments in India.
