Conservation & Threats

The conservation status of C. xanthodon has not been assessed, therefore it is unknown whether it is threatened (IUCN 2012). Cowrie shells have been used as currency in many countries such as China since around 1000B.C. (Kinni 2000). They have also been used widely as decorations and amulets (White 1958). In Queensland, C. xanthodon are assessed with a group of molluscs which are said to have ‘natural rarity’ and high desirability in shell trade. Few, carefully selected specimens are collected and so are considered at low risk (Roelofs et al. 2009).

Predators of cowries cover a plethora of phyla, including ground sharks and strong-jawed fish such as large wrasse, (Coleman 2008). They are also prey to invertebrates including octopi, stomatopods and cone snails, the latter of which are able to attack the animal without damaging the shell (Coleman 2003).

An experiment performed on C. xanthodon, looking at whether the presence of water containing pheromones from a stomatopod, or mantis shrimp, one predator of cowries caused defensive behaviour. It was found that C. xanthodon did not significantly reduce the amount of mantle extended over the shell when the pheromones were added, though when normal water was added, the cowries slowly extended their mantle. A few individuals quickly recoiled when pheromones were added in some trials. These results may vary in nature, due to the specimens likely already being stressed due to handling and external interference.