Cypraea tigris (85 mm

Scientific name: Cypraea tigris (Linnaeus, 1758) – in the German-speaking world known as Tiger cowrie or tiger porcelain snail. It is the undisputed icon among marine shells. Origin & Provenance: Philippines; this specimen comes from the coral-rich waters around the island of Cebu. The special feature: it is a documented historic find from March 1978, which gives the shell a valuable antique-collection status. Habitat: Coral reefs and shallow lagoons at depths of 2 to 30 meters. The animals are predominantly nocturnal and graze on algae as well as smaller organic particles from the rocks, while they hide deep in reef crevices during the day. Size & Condition: 85 mm – a solid, fully mature and heavy cabinet-size (the species can still grow larger, but 85 mm in pristine condition presents superbly in any display case). Condition GEM (Absolute Museum- and top quality): Despite the nearly 50-year age, the shell retains a mirrored enamel gloss without any aging dullness. Free from storage scratches, growth defects, or chipping at the edges and the aperture. The deep black tiger patterns on a white-cream background are razor-sharp. SKU Oberdiek Cypraea tigris 50

View all items fromCatawikiorEthnographical