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E.G.D.Rayed Cone Snails ~ Findings and Lucky Finds
Posted by Jody on February 6, 2012
The Rayed Cone snail (Conus radiatus) is a delightful find, but only if you find the empty seashell. If you find a live one, you would be well advised to leave this marine snail alone! A member of the Conidae family of venomous marine gastropod mollusks, the rayed cone snail is found in the waters of the Central Indo-Pacific seas. They vary in length from a little over an inch to near 8 1/4 inches.
The Marine Biological Laboratory publication, “Of Mollusks and Men,” describes the fierce cone snails this way: “When the snails are close enough to their prey, most species shoot out a tiny harpoon that instantly paralyzes the prey with venom. The snail moves in, opens its flexible snout, and pulls its meal into its stomach. Cone snails come in about 500 varieties and are found mainly in the shallow waters of coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific Oceans. Of the 60 or so fish-eating cone snails, which have the most potent venom, at least two have a sting that can be fatal to humans.”
Rayed Cones (©Jody Diehl)
The Marine Biological Laboratory, located on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is “an international center for research, education, and training in biology, biomedicine, and ecology.” Scientists there are using the venom of cone snails as a tool in the investigation of blood disorders. In “Of Mollusks and Men“, the author explains, “Hidden within the fleshy body of the beautiful snail lies a potent venom that the carnivorous creature uses to help capture its prey. It turns out that this same venom is becoming an increasingly useful tool for several areas of biomedical research, including hematology-the study of blood.” I highly recommend reading this short article. It really is quite interesting!
Rayed Cone (©Jody Diehl)
I didn’t find my rayed cone seashells beachcombing on the countless beaches of the Philippines. I didn’t collect them on the alluring shores of Papua New Guinea. Nor did I discover them on the white coral sands of Fiji. Nowhere quite so exotic, actually. I found my fabulous assortment of rayed cone seashells in the local thrift store! One man’s trash really is another man’s treasure! I snagged a 4″ Styrofoam ball covered with 50 gorgeous rayed cones! Someone had taken the trouble of using a hot glue gun to cement their beautiful beach treasures to the gold painted ball. I’m in the process of removing the rayed cone shells and cleaning off the glue. I don’t know yet what I’ll do with all of them. For now, I’m certainly enjoying bragging rights!
Have a great day beach treasure hunting, wherever you may be!
*You might also be interested in reading “Cone Snails: Beautiful Shells but Dangerous Animals.”*
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Jody said
Reblogged this on Beach Treasures and Treasure Beaches and commented:
Today I’ve decided to share an oldie but a goodie. These Rayed Cones are some of my favorites! ~Enjoy~
Maryanne said
I love when my husband (or myself) find these on the beach and there’s a “little guy” still inside! We always throw him back to the sea 🙂
Jody said
Good idea! 🙂
kiwiskan said
I love the cone shells – but I think there’s only one small one managed to get as far down as New Zealand. However I have been lucky enough to walk around a island reef off the coast of Papua New Guinea and seen them crawling around. I was also very aware that care was needed! I did bring back a few shells and might post them some time. A really informative post – thanks
Jody said
Thanks so much! I’ll certainly be looking forward to your next seashell post!
adinparadise said
Gorgeous, and what a find that ball was. 🙂
Jody said
Thank you! I was feeling pretty lucky that day!
tchistorygal said
I don’t think I want to have a live encounter with one of these guys!!! 🙂 They are pretty, though 🙂 Marsha 🙂
Jody said
Agreed!
tchistorygal said
🙂