Cone ShellsFamily: Conidae. Occupants of warm shallow waters, the poison of some cones can be lethal to humans. Their eggs are deposited in purse-shaped capsules. There are between 400 to 500 species of known cone shells. Although they vary greatly in size and color, all are similar in their distinctive cone shape. Interesting Facts: Cones are able to immobilize their prey with a modified, harpoon-like tooth. The tooth can be extended at least the length of the cones shell. The cone animal locates its prey using its sense of smell. Once the prey is detected, the long tooth is plunged into its victim. Once paralyzed, the prey is swallowed whole. Digestion proceeds over a period of hours and concludes with the expulsion of undigested parts like shell or bone. Most cones eat other mollusks, but a few evolved species hunt fish. At least 10 human deaths in the South Pacific region have been attributed to Cone stings. |