I am pleased to offer this impressive specimen of Macrocypraea cervus (Linnaeus, 1771), commonly known as the Deer Cowrie. This large specimen displays an attractive warm tan to caramel coloration overlaid with numerous creamy white spots and blotches. The shell retains excellent natural gloss, a broad aperture, and strong, well-developed dentition characteristic of mature examples of this iconic Caribbean species.

This specimen was personally collected from the Dry Tortugas, Florida, during commercial lobster fishing operations aboard the F/V AVA PILAR.

Specimen Data

Family: Cypraeidae
Species: Macrocypraea cervus (Linnaeus, 1771)
Common Name: Deer Cowrie
Location: Dry Tortugas, Florida
Method: Baited Lobster Trap (180–200 ft.)
Date: August 2025
Collector: Randy Rivera
Measures: 115.8 mm
TSC #: 0367CYP-TSC

Condition

Excellent overall condition with strong natural gloss, attractive coloration, and well-preserved teeth and margins. The shell presents beautifully and displays the classic patterning and proportions sought after by collectors of large Caribbean cowries.

Please review all photographs carefully, as they are part of the description and condition assessment.

Grade: F+++

Collector Notes

The Deer Cowrie is the largest cowrie species found in the western Atlantic and Caribbean region. Large, high-quality specimens such as this one are increasingly difficult to obtain and remain highly desirable among serious cowrie collectors.

This specimen was personally collected from deep-water lobster gear set in the Dry Tortugas at depths of approximately 180–200 feet. Deep-water collected examples often exhibit exceptional preservation and are seldom encountered compared to shallow-water specimens.

Shipping

Your specimen will be carefully packed and shipped with tracking to ensure safe arrival.

Tortugas Shell Collection

Rare and unusual shells personally collected from the Gulf of Mexico and beyond. Thank you for supporting Tortugas Shell Collection.