Central and South Florida Gastropod Seashell Identification Guide: Cone Snails

(Family) Conidae

Distinguishing Characteristics: The Cones are easily identified by the distinctive cone-like shape and a long aperture that reaches up to their shoulder.  Their siphonal canal is merged with their aperture and called a "siphonal notch".  Their spire is often short and reduced, especially in comparison with other families.

Habitat:  These snails prefer to live on sandy bottoms in shallow water.  They are often found around shallow reefs.

Diet:  The cones are active predators, possessing a long harpoon-like tooth.  The tooth connects to a poison duct so that the cone can rapidly incapacitate prey.  Cones usually target marine worms and other mollusks, though Pacific species may target fish as well.

Interesting Facts:  All members of the conidae possess a harpoon-like stinger that can cause severe pain.  Some Pacific species can kill.  Never pick up a live cone snail, no matter the species.  Their venom is full of chemicals called conotoxins, which may have biomedical applications.  Read more about the biomedical research into conotoxins here.