Little Shop of Coral
Tiger Cowrie (Cypraea tigris)
Tiger Cowrie (Cypraea tigris)
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The Tiger Cowrie is a stunning, glossy-shelled grazer with a bold spotted pattern that instantly stands out in any saltwater aquarium. Mostly nocturnal, it spends evenings cruising rockwork and glass hunting for algae, biofilm, and leftover organics. It can be a great showpiece invert in the right setup, but because cowries are opportunistic feeders, this species is best kept in systems where you can monitor its behaviour and provide consistent food.
Why we love it
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Iconic tiger pattern with a smooth, high-gloss shell
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Fun night-time activity and great “after lights out” viewing
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Hardy once acclimated in stable systems
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Awesome showpiece invert for larger marine tanks
Care and Compatibility
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful to Opportunistic
Reef Safe: With caution
Diet: Omnivore (algae, biofilm, leftovers, meaty foods)
Adult Size: ~4 to 6"
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons recommended (larger ideal)
Feeding
Tiger Cowries need steady nutrition, especially in clean tanks.
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Film algae and biofilm on rockwork and glass
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Dried seaweed (nori) offered regularly
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Sinking pellets and occasional meaty foods like mysis or chopped seafood
If underfed, it may start sampling corals or other sessile invertebrates.
Tank and Setup Notes
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Best in established tanks with plenty of grazing surfaces
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Secure loose frags and decorations, this cowrie is strong and can knock things over
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Maintain stable alkalinity and calcium for shell health
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Avoid sudden salinity swings, inverts are sensitive to rapid changes
Compatibility Tips
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Use caution in reef tanks. Some individuals may graze on soft corals, zoanthids, sponges, or clam mantles
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Best in fish-only systems or carefully planned reefs where you can monitor behavior
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Avoid predators like triggers and puffers that may bite or flip it
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Provide consistent feeding to reduce the chance of coral picking
Acclimation and Health
Drip acclimation is recommended. Place it on rockwork or glass so it can grip securely. Once settled, it is typically hardy, but long-term success depends on stable parameters and reliable feeding.
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LIGHT
LOW: Place coral at the bottom of the tank. Depending on the type, coral may need to be placed off sand and therefore mounted on a ceramic disc of piece of rock.
MEDIUM: Place coral at mid-range of the tank. Best placed/glued on top of a rock scape at mid-range height.
HIGH: Place coral from mid range to just below water level. SPS coral are shallow growing so they require and are able to tolerate intense light.
FLOW
LOW: Most soft coral do well with a small, gentle pulse. There are certain corals that can even be placed in areas of indirect flow, meaning places aside a rock structure or set into a entrance to a cave style space.
MEDIUM: Many LPS types of coral prefer medium pulse current. Most Euphyllia or corals that have more tissue structure connected to their skeleton, don’t like to be in a high flow area like the direct flow of the wave pump.
HIGH: Similar to high light, SPS enjoy being in some heavy current. Most LPS and SPS that branch encrust or plate prefer high flow that simulates the top water waves.
SKILL
ENTRY: While some may say beginner level, "Entry" is a good term to be used when starting out in the world of corals and marine life. Prior to adding livestock, you want to ensure that your reef has the proper parameters including zero levels of ammonia and nitrite. Seeing traces of nitrate in your waters is a good sign - just keep them at a lower level of 2ppm to 10ppm. Maintaining correct temperature and salinity are a huge factor to stable parameters. Starting to monitor your PH, alkalinity, calcium and magnesium is a great habit to get into to keep a successful reef.
While some soft coral don’t require too much light, having a proper reef light that puts out the proper pars is very important. You'll also want to have a good amount of flow and protected rock areas, as placing corals in their happy spot is ideal for success.
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