Mediterranean cone (Conus ventricosus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Conus ventricosus
- Common name
- Mediterranean cone
- Category
- Molluscs
- Family
- Conidae
- Genus
- Conus
- Size
- 2–5 cm
- Depth
- 0–50 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Venomous
- Habitats
- rocky, sand
- Behaviours
- predator, nocturnal
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean
Description
Conus ventricosus is the only Conidae in the Mediterranean, conical shell of 2 to 5 cm, beige with irregular brown patterns. Predator of worms and small mollusks: fires a harpoon-like radula injecting a potent venom. Human stings are rare but potentially dangerous. Lives under rocks and in sand from 0 to 50 m. Never pick up bare-handed.
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Mediterranean cone?
- Mediterranean cone (Conus ventricosus) reaches 2–5 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Mediterranean cone?
- Mediterranean cone is found between 0–50 m deep.
- Is the Mediterranean cone dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Venomous.
- What is the conservation status of the Mediterranean cone?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Mediterranean cone?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.
Other species in the genus Conus
- Conus textile - Textile cone
- Conus geographus - Geographic cone
- Conus marmoreus - Marbled Cone
- Conus litteratus - Lettered Cone
- Conus magus - Magician Cone
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 428401)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5795736)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia