Neobernaya spadicea - Chestnut Cowrie

The Chestnut Cowrie has a smooth, oval shell measuring approximately 4–6.5 cm in adulthood. The dorsal surface carries a large irregular chestnut-brown patch, while the sides and underside are white or pale bluish white.

When active, the animal extends an orange-brown, dark-spotted mantle over the shell. The mantle cleans the shell and deposits the polished outer layer responsible for its characteristic shine.

Key features

• Distinctive chestnut-coloured cowrie
• Scientific name: Neobernaya spadicea
• Former name: Cypraea spadicea
• Native to the eastern Pacific
• Temperate rather than tropical species
• Highly polished white and chestnut-brown shell
• Orange-brown spotted mantle
• Mantle may cover the complete shell
• Primarily nocturnal
• Shelters beneath rocks during the day
• Opportunistic predator and scavenger
• May also consume biofilm and algae
• May eat sponges, tunicates and anemones
• May consume eggs of other invertebrates
• Reef safe only with caution
• Adult size: approximately 4–6.5 cm
• Requires an established marine aquarium
• Sensitive to copper-based medications
• Recommended for experienced marine aquarists

Care information

• Family: Cypraeidae
• Diet: opportunistic omnivore, predator and scavenger
• Activity: primarily nocturnal
• Temperament: peaceful
• Reef compatibility: with caution
• Care level: intermediate to advanced
• Origin: California and Baja California
• Habitat: rocky shores, crevices and kelp environments

Suggested water conditions

• Temperature: approximately 16–22 °C
• Specific gravity: approximately 1.023–1.026
• pH: approximately 8.0–8.4
• Alkalinity: approximately 7–11 dKH
• Calcium: approximately 400–450 mg/l
• Magnesium: approximately 1,250–1,400 mg/l
• Ammonia: 0 mg/l
• Nitrite: 0 mg/l
• Flow: moderate
• Oxygenation: high

Confirm the holding temperature of the individual before introduction. Do not transfer a cool-water specimen directly into a warm tropical reef aquarium.

Feeding

Offer a varied selection of:

• Chopped mussel
• Shrimp meat
• Mysis shrimp
• Small pieces of marine fish
• Sinking carnivore pellets
• Mixed algae-and-protein wafers
• Dried marine algae
• Mature biofilm-covered rock

Feed after the aquarium lighting dims. Remove uneaten food the following morning.

Introduction

1. Confirm the current holding temperature and salinity.
2. Ensure the destination aquarium is sufficiently cool.
3. Dim the aquarium lighting.
4. Equalise the transport-water temperature.
5. Acclimate slowly to salinity and water chemistry.
6. Do not pull the animal from the transport container.
7. Transfer it underwater with its substrate or a small container.
8. Place it onto stable sheltered rockwork.
9. Confirm that the muscular foot attaches securely.
10. Observe the animal after the aquarium lights switch off.
11. Protect exposed pump intakes.
12. Avoid all copper-based medications.