Other Names

• Anemone Cone

General Description

Shell elongated conical shape with a short pointed end (spire). Covered by a thin yellow-brown skin (periostracum), white-cream with orange and dark brown markings underneath. Opening extends along the side of the shell. Shell up to 5 cm long.

Biology

These snails spear their prey with hard calcium darts armed with paralysing toxins. The toxin causes painful wounds, fainting and semi-paralysis in humans - tropical species have caused fatalities. They are one of only a few cone shell species that live in Victorian waters.

Habitat

Exposed and sheltered waters.

Reefs

Coastal shores

Distribution guide

Southern Australia.

Species Group

Sea snails and shells › Snails

Depth

Shore (0-1 m)
Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

5 cm

Diet

Carnivore

Harmful

Toxic darts dangerous to humans.

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Species Code

MoV 1733

Conservation Status

• DSE Advisory List : Not listed
• EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
• IUCN Red List : Not listed