Conus augur facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Conus augur |
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| The opening of an auger cone shell | |
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The auger cone (scientific name: Conus augur) is a type of sea snail. It's a marine gastropod mollusk, which means it's a soft-bodied animal, often with a shell, that lives in the ocean. This snail belongs to the Conidae family, also known as the cone snails or cone shells.
Like all cone snails, the auger cone is a predatory animal. This means it hunts and eats other small sea creatures. These snails are also venomous, meaning they can produce a powerful venom. Because of their venom, it's very important to be careful around live auger cones. You should never touch them, as they can "sting" humans.
What Does the Auger Cone Look Like?
The shell of an adult auger cone usually measures between 45 mm and 76 mm long. That's about the length of a small candy bar!
The shell is typically a creamy white color. It has many thin rows of tiny, dark brown or chestnut-colored dots that go all the way around it. You might also see two wider bands of irregular brown markings. One band is usually above the middle of the shell's main part (called the body whorl), and the other is below it.
The top, pointed part of the shell, known as the spire, also has brown spots or markings.
Where Do Auger Cones Live?
You can find the auger cone in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. They live near places like the Aldabra Atoll and Madagascar. They are also found in the Southwest Pacific Ocean. These snails prefer marine environments, meaning they live in the sea.
Gallery
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An auger cone shell from a different angle
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Another view of the auger cone shell
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A close-up of the auger cone's markings
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The auger cone shell from the top
