Cowry shells

Cowries (Cypraeidae in Latin) represent a group of approximately 300 species of "marine snails" distributed throughout the Earth's oceans, living in less than 50 cm of water to depths of more than 500 meters ( cypraea midwayensis or cypraea teramachii). For me, these are the most beautiful shells in the world due to their variety, their shine, their size and their color. Needless to say, these are probably the most expensive for collectors, unless you dive in and pick them up yourself. The countries most blessed with the variety and rarity of porcelain are Australia, the Philippines, New Caledonia and South Africa. But unfortunately, in French Polynesia, there are few species of porcelain (around 45 species) and apart from 3 species (cypraea cassiaui, cypraea bernardi and cypraea barbieri) few are rare or spectacular. In Huahine, there are around 41 species of porcelain. Some species are abundant while others are becoming increasingly rare on the island (not necessarily rare on another island). Some (cypraea childreni) can only be found dead on beaches after a cyclone or strong swell. Some like cypraea cumingii, mappa and goodallii become impossible to find. In Huahine, a single broken cypraea aurantium was found among corals dredged for embankment. It seems that there is an extremely rare cypraea off the coast of Huahine: the mythical cypraea midwayensis kontiki dredged at a depth of more than 200 meters by an oceanographic research vessel. But who could confirm these statements? Especially since some publications say it was found in Raiatea, others in the Tuamotus. If you want to know more why don't you visit the shell collection? We are in the process of setting up a permanent exhibition of Huahine shells, starting with porcelain, then cones, harps, bolsters, etc. See you next time!