About Luria lurida (Linnaeus, 1758)
Luria lurida is a species of cowrie with shells that reach an average length of 40–48 millimeters (1.6–1.9 in), a minimum length of 14 millimeters (0.55 in), and a maximum length of 66 millimeters (2.6 in). These shells are elongated, smooth, and shiny. The dorsum surface is mainly pale brown or reddish, marked with three darker transverse bands that alternate with narrower, lighter bands. Two separate dark brown spots are located at the shell's extremities. The aperture is wide and bears several teeth. Living individuals have a dark brown mantle that can cover the entire shell. Males are typically smaller and more elongated than females. This common species is found in the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean along Macaronesia, and along West Africa, primarily in Senegal and Angola. These cowries are light-sensitive, so during the day they usually hide in small caves, crevices, or under rocks at depths of up to around 40 meters (130 ft). They live on rocky seabeds and among corals, and feed at night, primarily on the sponges Verongia aerophoba, Aiplysina aerophoba, Chondrilla nucula, and Tethya aurantium.
