Cone
Shell
Species
- 1Conus
omaria, 2Conus
textile, 3Conus
tulipa Synonyms
- 1Pearled
cone, 2Cloth
of gold, Woven cone, 3Tulip
cone
Description
These attractive
univalve molluscs are highly valued by
shell collectors.
They usually grow to around 10cm in length and have very
distinguished colours and patterns on their shells.
At the narrow end of the
shell they
have an extendable proboscis. Using this proboscis they
can jab a minute harpoon with
1 to 20 radular teeth penetrating
skin to inject venom to immobilise
their victim.
The toxins vary between
different species. The fish-eating cone
shells are probably the only ones dangerous to humans.
Scientists have
identified more than 60,000 species of univalves.
Habitat
The cone shell inhabits
shallow water, reefs, ponds and rubble and as it often
burrows under the sand, its siphon that it uses to suck
in water for respiration may be the only thing visible.
Around the Australian
coastline cone shells are found throughout the tropical
regions and on the eastern and western coasts generally
south to about latitude 30oS.
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