What type of Cowry is this?

[ThatsSomeBadHatHarry]

Ran across empty cowry at about 40fsw on Oahu, HI. I have "Hawaii's Sea Creatures" book by John Hoover, but I can't find it in their.

Very dark markings, smooth and shiny, about 3" x 2.25" It may be a really dark tiger cowry or humpback? i'm just not sure.

 

[knotical]

The flat-bottomed shape is wrong for tiger (Cypraea tigris).
Humpback (Cypraea mauritiana) is a real possibility, and my choice.
Color can vary with diet/environment.
The specimen appears to be not fully grown, based both on size and the less distinct markings.
It appears in excellent shape for a “wash” (dead specimen). It doesn’t take long for the shine to erode, so I suspect your specimen was recently killed.

Some photos here:
http://www.coralreefnetwork.com/stender/marine/mollusks/gastropods/cowries/cowries.htm

 

[Walter]

Beautiful find!

 

[ThatsSomeBadHatHarry]

Thanks Knotical. the markings on that are barely reminiscent of a humpback.

 

[justleesa]

Rats, my shell book is at home....if you haven't figured it out by monday I'll check that book
Beautiful Shell!