Geographic cone (Conus geographus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Conus geographus
- Common name
- Geographic cone
- Category
- Molluscs
- Family
- Conidae
- Genus
- Conus
- Size
- 9–17 cm
- Depth
- 1–60 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Venomous
- Habitats
- sand, coral-reef
- Behaviours
- solitary, predator, venomous, nocturnal
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Eastern Pacific
Description
Conus geographus reaches 17 cm. THE most venomous mollusk worldwide. Very elongated conical shell with net or web patterns black-red on white-pink background. Lives from 1 to 60 m on sand and coral reefs of tropical Indo-Pacific. Listed LC. Unique nocturnal predator among Conus: hunts fish by releasing a paralyzing insulin-like cloud before harpooning them. Venomous cocktail containing 200+ conotoxins, documented human mortality above 65% without immediate treatment (cigarette killer). Absolute distance photo subject.
Photo of Geographic cone
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Geographic cone?
- Geographic cone (Conus geographus) reaches 9–17 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Geographic cone?
- Geographic cone is found between 1–60 m deep.
- Is the Geographic cone dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Venomous.
- What is the conservation status of the Geographic cone?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Geographic cone?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Eastern Pacific.
Other species in the genus Conus
- Conus textile - Textile cone
- Conus ventricosus - Mediterranean cone
- Conus marmoreus - Marbled Cone
- Conus litteratus - Lettered Cone
- Conus magus - Magician Cone
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 215499)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5728277)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia