Textile Cone Snail

Superpower

Shoots a hollow venom-filled harpoon like a dart to paralyse prey in an instant.

At a glance

Size

typically 7 cm, up to 15 cm

Lifespan

5–10 years

Depth

1–50 m

Habitat

Sand and rubble around reefs.

Diet

Other snails and worms, harpooned and swallowed.

Can I eat it?

No — this one is not eaten.

Safety

• Dangerous8/10

  Never pick up a live cone shell — the sting can be fatal.

• Venomous8/10

  Fires a venom-loaded harpoon; large cones can kill a person.

Fun facts

• •It hunts with a harpoon-like tooth loaded with venom.
• •Its gorgeous 'woven' shell pattern tempts collectors — dangerously.
• •Cone snail venom is being studied for powerful new painkillers.