A. Kimo Morris

The reticulated cowry (Cypraea maculifera ). The mantel, or shell-secreting membrane, extends out over the entirety of the shell, keeping it smooth and shiny. Cowry shells are indeed prized by collectors, but PLEASE check to see if anyone is home BEFORE taking a shell. Taking live shells is detrimental to reef health. The general Hawaiian name for cowries is "leho".