Thursday, April 23, 2009

A money in a Cowrie

Money Cowrie (common name)
Local name: Sigay, Baboy baboy
SN:Cypraea moneta (Linnaeus, C., 1758)
Size: 15-30mm
Location: Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines
One of the most common seashell in the world or can even be very abundant in some parts of the world. This specie can be found at Indo-Pacific region and lives in intertidal rocky area in shallow waters. When the rock is exposed at low tide, you can turn over the rock to see the Cyp. moneta but make it sure to return the rock to its original position so that you may not destroy/kill (their eggs and other animals that dwell in it) when exposed especially to sunlight. During the late 19th century this specie is used as money or a medium of exchange but now is used as jewelry, decoration or use as a medium for making bags and etc..

In addition
Gold-ring Cowrie - (common name)
Local name: Sigay, Baboy baboy
SN:Cypraea annulus Linnaeus, 1758
Size: 15-30mm
Location: Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines
Also mistaken as Cyp. moneta because they are mostly found living together and is used also as money, jewelry, decorations and etc also..

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

During the late 19th century this specie is used as money or a medium of exchange

galing naman nun raf hehe :D