Marble Cone Shell

Marble cones with their distinctive black and white marking have always been popular with collectors.

A large family, the Conidae number over 300 species and are possibly the most popular collector shell group after the cowries.

They are very successful predators feeding on worms, molluscs and fish.

They have a highly developed system by which they are able to inject poisonous barbs into their prey prior to feeding. They can sting humans if handled live and this can cause paralysis, heart failure and even death. Probably best to take a wide berth if you should encounter one in the wild.

This species of Marble Cone (conus marmoreus) is common to the tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Size: approx  8-9 cm  (3-3.5 inches)