{"product_id":"tiger-cowrie-cypraea-tigrinus","title":"Tiger Cowrie - Cypraea tigrinus","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTiger Cowrie (Cypraea tigrinus)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Tiger Cowrie is a large and impressive marine snail recognised for its smooth, highly polished shell patterned with dark brown to black spots over a pale cream background. When active, the animal extends its soft mantle over much of the shell, creating a completely different appearance from the familiar glossy shell seen when it is resting. Although peaceful and useful as an algae grazer when young, adults become increasingly omnivorous and may feed on sponges, tunicates and other sessile invertebrates, making this species best suited to mature marine aquariums where its behaviour can be monitored carefully.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTiger Cowrie, Tiger Cowry\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCypraea tigrinus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 15–16 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeaLifeBase records a maximum shell length of approximately 16 cm, although specimens around 9–10 cm are more commonly encountered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Tiger Cowrie has a broad Indo-Pacific distribution, occurring from East Africa across the tropical Indian and Pacific Oceans through Micronesia, Polynesia, the Philippines and surrounding reef regions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt inhabits coral reefs and rocky marine environments, commonly sheltering beneath rocks, within reef crevices and around coral structures during daylight hours before becoming more active at night.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature: 24–26°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH Range: 8.1–8.4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSalinity: SG 1.024–1.026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNitrate: Low and stable\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCopper: Must be avoided\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTiger Cowries are generally peaceful towards fish and do not display territorial behaviour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTheir main compatibility concern is feeding rather than aggression. As they mature, they become increasingly omnivorous and may consume sessile invertebrates that would normally be considered part of the reef display.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOmnivore \/ Algae Grazer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJuvenile Tiger Cowries spend significant time grazing algae and biofilm from rockwork and other hard surfaces.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs they mature, their diet becomes increasingly omnivorous. Suitable supplementary foods include nori, spirulina-based foods, algae wafers, mysis, chopped prawn, mussel, cockle and other marine foods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdult individuals may also feed on sponges, tunicates, hydroids and occasionally soft coral tissue if suitable food is limited.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 350–400 litres\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Tiger Cowrie is a substantial marine snail and requires plenty of established rockwork, natural grazing areas and room to move without disturbing delicate structures. Aquarium references commonly recommend approximately 350–400 litres for mature specimens.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Tiger Cowrie is primarily nocturnal and often remains beneath rocks, within caves or among reef structure during brighter periods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt night it becomes considerably more active, moving across live rock and aquarium surfaces in search of algae and other food.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhile active, the soft mantle extends across the shell and helps maintain its characteristic polished appearance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLarge individuals are surprisingly strong and can dislodge unsecured coral pieces or lightweight rockwork while moving through the aquarium.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eWith Caution\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Tiger Cowrie should be considered reef safe with caution.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJuveniles are typically more herbivorous, but adults may feed on sponges, tunicates, hydroids, anemones and soft coral tissue. Experiences vary considerably between individual animals, so careful observation is recommended in coral-dominated aquariums.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProviding a varied and plentiful diet can reduce opportunistic grazing on desirable reef organisms, but complete reef compatibility cannot be guaranteed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA large, mature marine aquarium with extensive established rockwork, algae growth and secure hiding places is strongly recommended.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRockwork and coral structures should be firmly secured because adult Tiger Cowries are heavy and capable of pushing loose objects while grazing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStable salinity and excellent water quality are important. Like other marine molluscs, Tiger Cowries are highly sensitive to copper-based medications, which must never be used in an aquarium containing them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSupplementary feeding becomes increasingly important as the cowrie grows, particularly in very clean reef systems where natural algae and biofilm are limited.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid housing Tiger Cowries with predators that naturally consume molluscs, including many puffers, triggers and large predatory wrasses.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvailability can vary depending on season, size and supplier.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the invert you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47364145741997,"sku":"AG-104517","price":39.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/TigerCowrie-Cypraeatigrinus.jpg?v=1787995558","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/tiger-cowrie-cypraea-tigrinus","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}