Ecology

Cowries are usually most abundant on a reef in the shallow, sometimes intertidal reef crest (Walls 1987). During the day, C. xanthodon, along with all other cowries are most likely to be found hidden underneath coral rubble and boulders to avoid predation. At night, cowries leave their shelters in order to find food (Walls 1987).
                           
                Underside of coral rubble: the natural daytime habitat (note that this piece would
                  naturally sit nearly flat on the sand, making a great hiding place)