Anemone Cone Snail

Scientific Name: Conus anemone

Description: The Cone Shells that are found on reefs around Barwon Heads are a relatively small species that spear their prey with hard calcium darts armed with paralysing toxins. Victorian cone shells feed mainly on invertebrates like polychaete worms unlike their deadly cousins in the tropics that eat fish.

This toxin causes painful wounds, fainting and semi-paralysis in humans – tropical species have caused fatalities. Do not pick up or handle live cone shells.

Type: Gastropod (Carnivores and Scavengers)
Where to find: Intertidal and subtidal reef.
Size: 35mm