Zonaria petitiana
Zonaria petitiana is a species of sea snail, a cowry, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Cypraeidae, the cowries.
;Synonyms:Zonaria petitiana senegalensis F. A. Schilder, 1928: synonym of Zonaria pyrum insularum F. A. Schilder, 1928
Taxonomy
Some authors consider Z. petitiana a subspecies of Zonaria pyrum, e.g. Lorenz and Hubert, 2000, although Lorenz 2002 considers it a valid species.Description
The length of the shell varies between 17 mm and 38 mm.The shell exhibits an ovate-pyriform shape, characterized by a somewhat turgid and thickened form. It possesses a glossy surface and tapers towards both extremities, culminating in a slight beak. The upper surface displays a chestnut-brown coloration, irregularly suffused with large, rounded white spots. The sides and extremities exhibit a broad flesh-colored hue. The lower surface appears flatter, displaying a flesh-colored tone. The columellar margin is adorned with 16 white teeth, while the external margin features 18. The spire is immersed and inconspicuous, with a slight concavity. The aperture is narrow, slightly sinuous, and exhibits a bluish-white coloration internally.