conesnail

Cone snails, also called conesnails, are a diverse group of predatory marine gastropods in the family Conidae. They occur in tropical and subtropical seas worldwide, often in shallow reefs, sandy bottoms, or rocky substrates, occasionally at greater depths. Most species have a stout, conical shell with variegated patterns that make them popular with shell collectors.

Cone snails hunt using a specialized venom apparatus. They possess a long venom gland and a modified radular tooth that functions as a harpoon. When prey is detected, the snail extends a proboscis and fires the toxically barbed tooth into the target, delivering venom that can immobilize fish, mollusks, or marine worms within seconds. The venom comprises a complex mixture of peptides called conotoxins, which can affect nerve transmission and ion channels. Some conotoxins have been studied or developed for medical use, notably ziconotide, derived from omega-conotoxin MVIIA and sold as Prialt for chronic pain.

Human contact can be dangerous. Bites or stings from cone snails can cause serious illness and, in rare cases, death. Handling live snails is discouraged; medical attention should be sought if envenomation is suspected. They are not typically aggressive, but their harpoon-like teeth can penetrate skin.

Ecology and conservation: cone snails are active predators that help regulate prey populations. They face threats from habitat degradation and collection for shells, and some species have not been evaluated for conservation status.