Family Cypraeidae, commonly known as the cowries, are a group of sea snails with brightly colored, glossy shells. Cowries have been used for centuries as currency and decorative items, and are popular among collectors. Some common synonyms for the family Cypraeidae include the cowry family, cowry snails, and Cypraeid snails. The family is made up of over 200 species, and are found in warm, shallow waters around the world. While they are primarily known for their beautiful shells, cowries also play an important role in maintaining marine ecosystems by feeding on algae and other small organisms.