Gold Ring Cowrie

The gold ring cowrie (Monetaria annulus) is a small, pale, smoothly domed cowrie marked with a clear gold ring across the top of the shell. Like other cowries it extends a fleshy mantle over the shell as it moves, which keeps the surface glossy. It stays far smaller than the tiger cowrie, which makes it a much easier animal to accommodate in an ordinary aquarium.

Aquarium care

• Small — usually around 2 to 3 cm.
• Grazes algae and biofilm from rock and glass.
• Needs a mature tank with established algae growth; a brand-new system will not feed it.
• Largely nocturnal, so expect to see more of it after the lights go out.
• Sensitive to copper-based medication and to sudden salinity or temperature changes.
• Drip acclimate slowly on arrival.

They suit established reef and fish-only marine tanks with peaceful stock. As with all cowries, they can graze over sessile invertebrates and dislodge unsecured frags, so make sure the rockwork is stable. Avoid keeping them with pufferfish, triggerfish or large hermit crabs.

Stock rotates with each shipment, and livestock is available for local pickup at our Lethbridge store. More in the saltwater collection.