Neobernaya spadicea

The chestnut cowrie is the only species of cowrie in the eastern Pacific Ocean. It can be found in intertidal zones from Monterey, California to Isla Cedros, Baja California. It is common in Southern California, specifically around the Channel Islands. to a depth of 45 m. Chestnut cowries are often found under rocks and protected crevices. ==Description==

The top of the shell displays a large irregularly shaped caramel colored spot, with a dark brown border. The shell can grow until the cowrie reaches its adult form, then it stops. When undisturbed, their orange spotted mantle extends around the outside of the shell; when fully extended it can completely cover the shell. The shell is glossy due to an enamel that is secreted from the edges of the mantle. Retracting and extending the mantle acts as a buffer, shining the shell while depositing new enamel. The foot of this species is white. The adult shell of this species ranges in size from 40 to 65 mm. == Ecology ==

Diet The chestnut cowrie is a scavenger and carnivore; common food items include anemones, sponges, tunicates, eggs, and dead organisms. This species appears to be an opportunistic feeder that consumes a wide variety of organic matter, including plants and detritus. Reproduction Chestnut cowries lay batches of eggs during the summer months. Each batch consists of approximately 100 egg capsules with each egg capsule containing several hundred eggs. ==References==