Size and Colouration
Lyncina vitellus (Milk-Spot Cowrie) can be distinguished from the rest of the Cypraeidae family by the brown with white dot pattern and colouration seen on the dorsal surface of the shell (SURG, 2013). This colour pattern reflects the maturity of the animal, with patterns and solid colouration only laid down once maturity is reached (Burgess, 1985). When active, a mantle covers the external surface of the shell, with colour varying from blotched black to dark brown and grey (SURG, 2013). Papillae are distributed asymmetrically across the outer surface of the mantle.
Size varies with latitude and gender amongst L. vitellus, with females having a larger mean body size than males, growing on average to 70mm (SURG, 2013).
Colour pattern of a mature L. vitellus. Image by Chelsea Waters
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