About Monetaria caputserpentis (Linnaeus, 1758)
The shell of Monetaria caputserpentis is primarily reddish-brown, with many whitish dots across the top of its dorsal surface. The dorsal surface sometimes has a distinct longitudinal line, and the underside of the shell is pale light beige. Shells of this species are often sold with a purple-colored top, which is produced by treating the dorsal surface with acid. This species is found in the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, the tropical Indo-West Pacific, Australia, and the Philippines. This marine snail inhabits corals, rock reefs, and rocky shores, ranging from the intertidal zone down to depths of 200 meters.
