Is this a cypraea tigris pardalis? I find it unusual.

[dave r]

Hi Chris,
yes it is a pardalis. Pardalis is just a forma name for a C. tigris that is pure white with black spots, it has no taxonomical value. Some people give forma names to specimens that are 'different' to the normal ones, e.g. forma niger for black ones, alba for white ones, punctata for spotted onne, well, you get the picture. The names do have uses when you need to describe a certain form to someone for instance, but beware of dealers who use forma names as subspecific or even specific names just so they can sell a 'different' subspecies.
Dave.