by Wayne K. Wilkins

Created on: August 16, 2010

The Cone Shell is a species of sea snail that is known to grow over 20 cm in length. They are classified as an underwater gastropod and are known for their bright colours and defined cone-shaped shell, which is where their name originates from. The Cone Snail is known to feature unique patterns and colours on its body and its shell that are used as a warning sign to fend of larger predators. This defence mechanism is skilfully backed up by the fact that these cone snails possess a sting that can prove to be potentially fatal for animal and human alike.

In medical science, the Cone Snail is known as one of the most important species of marine dwelling gastropod in the world today. In recent years, the venom that they possess in their bodies and their sting has shown potential to be a viable asset in curing illness and disease in the human species. Extracting cone shell venom however is a difficult and relatively dangerous task. For smaller species of the gastropod, the sting is known to resemble that of a bee, but for larger species, the dose of venom can prove to cause serious illness and even death if proper treatment is not sought.

The cone snail is a carnivorous predator that is often found hunting on the sea bed. Their brightly patterned shells and bodies often allows them camouflage in the plant life that it calls its home and it is from here that it will launch its attack on unsuspecting victims that it can devour and make a meal of. The Cone snail uses a powerful harpoon-style sting that can be launched great distances to pierce, paralyze and drag its prey to it which include species of fish. In the absence of proper food, the cone snail has also proven to be carnivorous and will not hesitate to it its own kind if adequate food sources are not available.  

The cone snail is truly a beautiful and unique marine dwelling gastropod. While its venom is potentially deadly to humans, it is currently being tested as a potential medical breakthrough. Their beautiful patterns are colourful and unique and vary from each different snail and each different species. Their defence mechanisms such as their harpoon-like sting make up for their slow movement and make them a force to be reckoned with when it comes to both its own prey, and larger sea dwelling creatures that may unsuspectingly prey on it.

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