Beachcombers Field Guide - Department Of Fisheries Western ...

Cone shell
Mollusca – Gastropoda
Cones live under rocks
or coral boulders, and many
species bury themselves in the sand
with just their siphons extended like
snorkels. The water sucked in through
their siphon carries oxygen as well as the
odour of prey, such as another mollusc,
worm or a small fi sh. The cones can then
rapidly harpoon their prey using a hollow,
barbed tooth loaded with
venom. Once the
prey is paralysed
it is usually
swallowed
whole.
Photo: Sam Bridgwood
Did you know?
Although not all cones are
dangerous to humans, it is best
to treat them with caution. Mollusc
and worm-eating cones can infl ict
a painful sting but the venom of
fi sh-eating cones can cause a human
to suffer breathing diffi culties,
paralysis or even death!