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Project Noah Nature School
Serratovolva dondani
Also known as Dan's Egg Cowry and Donald's Egg Cowry. They feed on soft coral and gorgonians, and grow to about 2.5cm in length. (Photo shows full-grown specimen.) [This species was named in honor of well-known American shells dealer, Donald Dan.]
Found on coral and rocky reefs on the host coral Dendronephthya sp., at depths of 5 to 30m. Widespread in the Indo-Pacific region. Photos show the cowry on a 4- or 5-inch tall mauve spiky soft coral.
At first I thought it was a nudibranch, but upon closer inspection I knew it couldn't be. It was only upon surfacing that my dive buddy, Shauming Lo, informed me that it was a cowry. (I apologize for the dim pictures -- I'd forgotten to bring my flash diffuser!) I spotted this lovely creature at a depth of about 60 feet.
Spotted on Jan 28, 2012
Submitted on Jan 28, 2012
4 Comments
Thanks guys! It's really a pleasure to share my underwater photos here.
@jgorneau - No, it's more of a sea snail. :)
Amazing photos. It's a treat to see these creatures as live animals, as well as appreciate their beautiful shells.
Is this similar to an anemone?
Not being a diver, your spottings are sharing such a beautiful underwater world with me. Thanks!