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Cone Snail (Conus)
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Description: Cone snails (Conus), also know as Cone shells or Cones, are a large genus of marine gastropod molluscs, in the subfamily Coninae within the family Conidae. Cone snails are typically found in warm & tropical seas & oceans worldwide. The shells of cone snails are often brightly colored & have interesting patterns, although in some species the color patterns may be partially or completely hidden under an opaque layer of periostracum. In other species the topmost shell layer is thin periostracum, a transparent yellowish or brownish membrane. The shells of Conus species vary in size. Larger species of cone snails can grow up to 23 cm in length. Cone snails are carnivorous & predatory. They hunt & eat prey such as marine worms, small fish, mollusks & even other cone snails. Because cone snails are slow-moving, they use a venomous harpoon (called a toxoglossan radula) to capture faster-moving prey such as fish. The venom of a few larger species, especially the piscivorous ones, is powerful enough to kill a human being. The bright colors and patterns of cone snails are attractive to the eye & therefore people sometimes pick up the live animals & hold them in their hand. This is risky, because the snail often fires its harpoon in these situations. In the case of the larger species of cone snail, the harpoon is sometimes capable of penetrating the skin, even through gloves or wetsuits. Symptoms of a Cone snail sting can start immediately or can be delayed in onset for days. Symptoms of a Cone snail sting include intense, localized pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, vomiting, muscle paralysis, changes in vision & respiratory failure that can lead to death. There is no antivenom & treatment involves providing life support until the venom is metabolised by the victim. If you are stung by a Cone snail, seek medical assistance immediately.
Uploaded By: femcat38
Date: 1/16/2012
Views: 320
File Size: 59 KB
