{"product_id":"macrocypraea-cervus-deer-cowrie-122-9-mm","title":"Macrocypraea cervus – Deer Cowrie – 122.9 mm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eI am pleased to offer this exceptional specimen of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMacrocypraea cervus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (Linnaeus, 1771), commonly known as the Deer Cowrie. Measuring an impressive 122.9 mm, this large specimen displays rich chestnut-brown coloration adorned with numerous crisp white spots and a well-defined dorsal band. The shell retains outstanding natural gloss and excellent overall presentation, making it a striking addition to any serious cowrie collection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis specimen was personally collected from the Dry Tortugas, Florida, during commercial lobster fishing operations aboard the F\/V AVA PILAR.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecimen Data\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFamily:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Cypraeidae\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecies:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMacrocypraea cervus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (Linnaeus, 1771)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Deer Cowrie\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLocation:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Dry Tortugas, Florida\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMethod:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Baited Lobster Trap (180–200 ft.)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDate:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e October 2025\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCollector:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Randy Rivera – F\/V AVA PILAR\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMeasures:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 122.9 mm (4.84”)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTSC #:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 0359CYP-TSC\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA beautiful large specimen with exceptional natural gloss, strong coloration, and well-developed dentition. Displays an attractive broad dorsal band and dense white spotting throughout.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere is a small chip and localized damage present near the posterior extremity, visible in the photographs. The shell otherwise presents extremely well and remains a highly desirable collector specimen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrade:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e F++\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease review all photographs carefully, as they are part of the description and condition assessment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCollector Notes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Deer Cowrie is the largest cowrie species found in the western Atlantic and Caribbean. Large specimens exceeding 120 mm are always sought after by collectors, especially examples retaining strong gloss and attractive patterning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis specimen was personally collected from deep-water lobster gear deployed in the Dry Tortugas at depths of approximately 180–200 feet. Deep-water collected Deer Cowries are encountered infrequently and are prized for their quality and provenance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShipping\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYour specimen will be carefully packed and shipped with tracking to ensure safe arrival.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTortugas Shell Collection\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRare and unusual shells personally collected from the Gulf of Mexico and beyond. Thank you for supporting Tortugas Shell Collection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tortugas Shell Collection","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48764317040884,"sku":"359","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0782\/8193\/3044\/files\/IMG-6152.png?v=1782230393","url":"https:\/\/www.tortugasshellcollection.com\/products\/macrocypraea-cervus-deer-cowrie-122-9-mm","provider":"Tortugas Shell Collection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}