Live Tiger Cowry Shell

Most people see these big beautiful cowry shells in the window of shell shops and have no idea how the cowry shells stays so shinny. I shot this video of a live tiger cowry shell in a cave at 60 feet deep off of Oahu north Shore and you can see it mantle coming out of the shell. This is super rare footage because when disturbed the mantle usually retracts into the protection of the hard shell. When the cowry is active at night and feeding on sponges the inside of its body comes out and covers the shell surface. This is what keeps the shell polished and smooth. This video clip is part of my new movie coming out soon showing what Hawaiian shells look like when they are alive and out on the reef. Marine Biologist Terry Lilley