greenish central portion surrounded by orange or brown stripes. When small, it is covered with small tubercles, but becomes smoother as it increases in size. When polished, good cat-eyes will take on a very high luster.
The cowrie is another univalve, and is widely used in making bracelets, necklaces, and headbands. Alive, the animal may be found exposed or under rocks in the tidal areas, its membranous mantle drawn over the attractive tiny shell. They vary in color: one has a creamy yellowish or greenish color; another is dark olive with a burnt-orange golden ring; and some larger ones, up to four inches in length, are dark brown or black with lighter spots. The lower side of the shell has a lengthwise slot through which the body extends while feeding.
Conches are usually found in sandy=bottomed passages between the islands, in three to six feet of water where there is a strong current. They lie buried in the sand with less than half of the large shell exposed. The lip and interior of the shell is buffy colored with darker markings forming an attractive design. Conches found were from three inches to nine inches in length. Small octopi are seen frequently on the reef at low tide; partly withdrawn into cavaties or crevices in the coral. They are pale grey and appear jelly-like in texture. They probably live on molluscs and crustaceans and other small animals which they can capture.
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Fish are abundant both inside and outside the lagoon. Many types of moray eels lurk among coral formations and piles of loose rock, the posterior part of the body concealed in their lair. The head and a fourth of the body may lie poised outside, ready to seize in sharp teeth any acceptable morsel that swims or drifts by. Just behind the
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