Abstract

The genus Conus is a large and successful group of more than 500 species of carnivorous predators found in all tropical marine habitats. Most cone shells are nocturnal and generally divided into three groups depending on the prey envenomated; molluscivorous (snail-hunting), piscivorous (fish-hunting) and vermivorous (worm-hunting). All members of this species group use venom called conotoxin as the major weapon for prey capture. The venom is produced in a long tubular duct which at one end is attached to a muscular bulb that provide the necessary force of venom injection in to the prey through the hollow harpoon-like radular tooth. Some species like Conus geographus, C. textile, C. tulipa and C. striatus are the most frequently associated with human envenomations. Other species may also be capable of inflicting human fatalities. Oseana, Vol. 34 No. 2. P: 33 - 40

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