Treasures of Hawai‘i
Bishop Museum
The State Museum of Natural and Cultural History
Honolulu, Hawai‘i

Tiger Cowrie Shells

(42k) (27k)

Tiger cowries (Cypraea tigris) found in Hawai‘i are the largest in the world. Cowries, sometimes called "porcelain shells", all have a shiny shell, since a "mantle" covering the shell protects the animal from predators. Like all cowries, tiger cowries are herbivorous, grazing on small seaweeds or algae. Tiger cowries are used as octopus lures in Hawai‘i and among other Pacific islands.

Feather lei

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BISHOP MUSEUM
The State Museum of Natural and Cultural History
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Revised March 16, 1997 by jys