Striated Cone Shell

Striated cone shells have irregular chocolate brown patterning over their surface which is occasionally clouded with pinkish white forms.

It acquired its name from the fine (striae) parallel lines that revolve over its form.

A large family, the Conidae number over 300 species and are possibly the most collected after the cowrie shell group.

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

As with all cone shells, 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, so probably best to take a wide berth if you should encounter one in the wild.

This species (conus striatus) is common to the tropical waters of the Red Sea, Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific.

Size: approx 7-8 cm