Money Cowrie Biology

[JoJosReef]

The money cowrie is a very interesting critter. Sometimes it looks pearly with its gold ring, sometimes it is rough-looking with little tentacles all over. Does anyone know what that is all about? Wikipedia just talks a bit about its mantle, but not its appearance.

Pearly:

Tentacly:

 

[Pistondog]

Sorry if I misunderstand your question, but the mantle referenced is what you are seeing in the 2nd rough looking pics. The tentacles you refer to are the mantle.
I have a few, they are cool and good workers. They are active, mantles out at night, patrolling the glass and rocks.

 

[JoJosReef]

Sorry if I misunderstand your question, but the mantle referenced is what you are seeing in the 2nd rough looking pics. The tentacles you refer to are the mantle.
I have a few, they are cool and good workers. They are active, mantles out at night, patrolling the glass and rocks.

I'm curious about what it is for. What does the mantle "out" accomplish? Why go mantle "in"? Fun little guys. Glad I finally got one!

 

[Pistondog]

I'm curious about what it is for. What does the mantle "out" accomplish? Why go mantle "in"? Fun little guys. Glad I finally got one!

 

[JoJosReef]

Awesome, thanks!

 

[Jeeperz]

Love my money's, hands down the best snails I've had. Longest lived too. They go everywhere, glass, sand, rocks. Wish I could get more but reef cleaners is always out

 

[3429810]

Love my money's, hands down the best snails I've had. Longest lived too. They go everywhere, glass, sand, rocks. Wish I could get more but reef cleaners is always out

I got one that was attached to a mushroom/zoa rock I bought. Guy either didn’t notice or didn’t care about it I guess lol. By far the best cleaner in my coral qt and they are probably the coolest looking snail when their mantle is out.