Conus aureus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Conus aureus |
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| Five views of the shell of a Conus aureus snail | |
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| Scientific classification |
The aureus cone (scientific name: Conus aureus) is a type of sea snail. It's a marine gastropod, which is a kind of mollusk (like clams or octopuses). This snail belongs to the Conidae family, also known as the cone snails.
Like all cone snails, the aureus cone is a hunter and can be venomous. This means they can sting humans. Because of this, it's very important to be careful around live cone snails. It's best not to touch them at all.
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What are the different types of Aureus Cone?
Sometimes, scientists find slight differences within a species. For the aureus cone, there is one known subspecies:
- Conus aureus paulucciae G. B. Sowerby III, 1887
Where do Aureus Cone Snails Live?
These marine snails live in warm ocean waters. You can find them in several places around the world. They are found near New Caledonia and the Tuamotu islands. They also live in areas like Indo-China and Indo-Malaysia. Their range extends from Japan all the way down to Queensland, Australia.
What Does an Aureus Cone Shell Look Like?
The shell of the aureus cone snail can be between 40 millimeters (about 1.5 inches) and 80 millimeters (about 3 inches) long.
Shell Shape and Texture
The shell has a shape that is somewhat like a cylinder. It has very fine lines or grooves that go around it. These are called striae.
Shell Color and Patterns
The shell is usually an orange-brown color. It has a very fine net-like pattern of chestnut brown. On top of this, you'll see larger, somewhat triangular white spots. These white spots often group together to form bigger patches or bands. You can usually find these bands near the top (shoulder), middle, and bottom (base) of the shell.
Sometimes, there are also several long, thin streaks of chestnut color. These streaks run over the orange-brown areas with the net pattern.
