A beautiful and impressively sized specimen of Umbilia hesitata, a distinctive member of the Cypraeidae family native to Australian waters.

Measuring 95.5 mm, this substantial shell displays the elegant elongated form characteristic of the species, with smoothly rounded margins, extended extremities and the naturally glossy surface typical of cowries. The dorsal surface shows attractive mottled tones, while the underside presents the finely developed aperture and delicate teeth characteristic of the species.

Umbilia hesitata, traditionally also known as Cypraea hesitata, is commonly referred to as the Wonder Cowry. It inhabits deeper waters along eastern and southeastern Australia, where specimens are frequently obtained through commercial trawling.

This specimen was trawled in Australian waters, making it an appealing example of one of Australia’s characteristic deep-water cowries.