Distribution: Uncommon to rare in the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Distributed throughout the Indo-West Pacific region. In Australia recorded around Exmouth in Western Australia, the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland south to central New South Wales, and including Lord Howe Island.

Ecological Notes: By day is found under coral slabs and rocks, moving out of hiding only at night.

Additional Notes: Base and sides pale fawn, white spots on dorsal surface, base and lower sides sometimes tinged with purple. Teeth fawn with dark orange interstices. The live animal has a strikingly coloured reddish mantle with long papillae. Grows to 45 mm. Previously known as Cypraea chinensis.

References: 

Cowries of New South Wales, David Tarrant, published by David Tarrant, Coffs Harbour, NSW, 2016. p.51.

Atlas of Living Australia website at https://bie.ala.org.au/search?q=Ovatipsa+chinensis. Accessed 09/11/2018.