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There are around 600 species of cone shells, although extreme variation in shell colour and patterns has resulted in much splitting and the description of many colour variants as species. A study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) said: "The handful of humans that are stung by a cone snail are often subject to a venom potent enough to immediately paralyze and eventually kill its prey. Squid, No conches are not poisonous. The aperture is elongated and narrow with the sharp operculum being very small. They may seem innocuous, but marine cone shell snails possess one of the most deadly venoms known to biological scientists. Watch the cone shell sting video in the sidebar to see how excitotoxic shock causes all of the fish's muscles to contract simultaneously. [26][27], Conus gloriamaris, also known as "Glory of the Seas", one of the most famous and sought-after seashells in past centuries, with only a few specimens in private collections. These are found near shore, along sandy sea floors, across the Indo-Pacific region. There are approximately 500 species of cone snails. A Seashell Horn Is One Of The Oldest Known Musical Instruments - NPR.org They are nocturnal (more active at night) and they tend to burrow themselves in the sand and coral during the day. The entire animal is extremely valuable. ", Conchs are vital to the ocean both as herbivorous consumers and prey. Despite its reputation as a killer, the cone snail isnt all bad. The color is mostly brownish, with several disperse white spots. Some countries have all the needed rules but there is no enforcement," Davis notes. P. Bouchet, Yu I. Kantor, A. Sysoev, and N. Puillandre (March 2011). What is a cone snail? Distinguishing Characteristics: Tall, pointed spire. Over the years at least 36 human deaths have been attributed to cone snails, which attacks via an appendage resembling a harpoon, called a proboscis, that protrudes from one end of the shell. There are annual conch parades and festivals, featuring contests to see who can eat the most conch, cook the best conch dishes, and crack and clean conch shells the fastest. When to Seek Medical Care for a Cone Snail Sting, 16 Surprising Headache Triggers and Tips for Pain Relief, Medical Author: (2009). Conch meat is eaten in many Caribbean countries, the Bahamas, and the West Indies. All cone snails are venomous and capable of stinging. weeks after ex-employees of fitness trainer revealed toxic . Queen conch are slow growing and late to mature, reaching up to 12 inches in length and living up to 30 years. Our dive briefings include an environmental orientation and we always recommend that our divers refrain from touching anything while diving. At the time of writing, there is no known anti-venom. Is it scaleless? Gradually raising the temperature to 84F might be a trigger too. Some very venomous snakes like the inland taipan of northern Australia are less dangerous because they are calm and reclusive.