About Mauritia histrio (Gmelin, 1791)
This species, Mauritia histrio, has quite common large shells that reach an average length of 40–55 millimetres (1.6–2.2 in). The maximum recorded shell length is 88 millimetres (3.5 in), while the minimum adult shell size is 20 millimetres (0.79 in). The basic shell color is pale brown, with numerous round grey spots across the dorsum surface and several dark brown marginal spots along the edges. The base of the shell is mostly white or pale brown, with a wide aperture and well-developed darker teeth that are longer and stronger on the outer side. In living individuals, the mantle is transparent and bears short papillae. Mauritia histrio is quite similar in appearance to Cypraea arabica and Mauritia eglantina. This species is distributed across the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific Ocean, found in Aldabra, Chagos, East Africa, Kenya, Madagascar, the Mascarene Basin, Mauritius, Mozambique, Réunion, the Seychelles, Tanzania, North West Australia and the Philippines. Mauritia histrio inhabits tropical shallow water. It is a nocturnal species; during the day it hides under rocks, large coral blocks, or in deep crevices within coral reefs.
