Conasprella aphrodite facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Conasprella aphrodite |
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| Apertural and abapertural views of shell of Conasprella aphrodite (Petuch, E.J., 1979) | |
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The Conasprella aphrodite is a type of sea snail. It is a marine gastropod mollusk that belongs to the family called Conidae. This family includes many different kinds of cone snails.
Like all cone snails, Conasprella aphrodite is a predatory animal. This means it hunts and eats other small sea creatures. These snails are also venomous. They have a special tooth that works like a tiny harpoon to deliver venom. Because of their venom, it is very important to be careful around live cone snails. You should never touch them.
Contents
Discovering Conasprella aphrodite
What Does Conasprella aphrodite Look Like?
The shell of the Conasprella aphrodite is usually thin and light. It has a shiny surface. The shell is shaped like a cone and tapers towards the front. Its top part, called the shoulder, is smooth and sharp.
The shell's color can be a mix of lilac-purple and chestnut-brown. It often has bands of these colors. You might also see small white and brown dots or dashes arranged in rows around the shell. The inside of the shell's opening is often purple.
How Big Are These Snails?
The shells of Conasprella aphrodite are not very big. They usually measure between 15 mm and 24 mm long. That's about the size of your thumbnail to a little less than an inch. Even though their patterns can vary, all their shells keep that distinct cone shape. Their colors can range from light brown with white spots to almost completely black.
How Do Cone Snails Protect Themselves?
When these snails feel threatened, they can use their venom. They have a special tooth, like a tiny harpoon, that they can shoot out. This harpoon delivers venom to help them catch food or defend themselves. It's why you should always be careful and never handle a live cone snail.
Where Does Conasprella aphrodite Live?
Finding Conasprella aphrodite's Home
This marine snail lives in the ocean. It was first found about 250 meters deep. This discovery happened off the coast of Panglao, an island in the Philippines.
Today, we know that Conasprella aphrodite can be found in several places. These include the waters near the Philippines, New Caledonia, and the Ryukyus islands in Japan.
