Cone snails (also called Cone shells) are a type of sea snail in the
mollusc family. They can vary in size from a large grain of sand, to
larger than your hand! They come in a very wide variety of patterns, and
colors. Their often exotic designs make Cone Shells (the empty shell
left when the creature inside dies) a favorite find for many shellers.
Some cone snails are extremely venomous, and can pose danger to
humans.
A live Cone Snail should never be taken from it's habitat, or handled-
otherwise your vacation may include a trip to the hospital!☹️
The name 'Cone Snail' comes from the shape of their shell, which
resembles a geometric cone. There are several different shell 'types',
some resembling a true cone more than others. Cone Snails are predatory
animals, who prey on small fish and invertebrates. They posess a
tube-like appendage called a 'siphon' which acts as a 'nose', with which
they can 'sniff' out the chemicals given off by potential prey. Once
suitable prey has been located, they use a harpoon-like apparatus to
incapacitate their prey, by injecting it with venom.They are found
mostly in warm tropical oceans, living in sand or coral reefs.
The waters of Hawai'i are home to many different types of Cone Snails.
The
'Hebrew Cone Snail', 'Textile Cone Snail',
and 'Rat Cone Snail' are a few of the most recognizable ones
you may find there. Cone Shells can be found on beaches all across
Hawai'i, however they are most likely to wash up on North facing shores.
About 30 species of currently known Cone Snails can be found there.
Approximately 18 new species are discovered worldwide, each year, so
it's likely that Hawai'i is also home to some yet-undiscovered species
as well.
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