Conus australis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Conus australis |
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| Front and back views of the shell of Conus australis | |
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Conus australis, often called the austral cone, is a type of sea snail. It is a marine gastropod mollusk that belongs to the family Conidae. This family includes all the fascinating cone snails.
Just like other cone snails, Conus australis is a predatory animal. This means it hunts and eats other small sea creatures. These snails are also venomous. Their venom can sting humans, so it's very important to be careful. If you ever see a live one, it's best not to touch it at all.
What Does the Austral Cone Look Like?
The shell of the austral cone can be quite large. It usually measures between 40 millimeters (about 1.5 inches) and 123 millimeters (about 4.8 inches) long.
The shell has many grooves or "channels" all over its surface. These channels are narrow and have fine lines running along them. The areas between these grooves are usually smooth. Sometimes, they might feel a little bit grainy.
The top part of the shell, called the spire, is quite tall and pointed. It also has fine lines. Sometimes, the spire might even have small, crown-like bumps.
The shell's color is typically yellowish-brown. It often has light chestnut-colored lines that are short and irregular. There can also be patches of the same color. These patches sometimes form three faint, broken bands around the shell.
Where Do Austral Cones Live?
This marine snail lives in the ocean. You can find it in the waters near Japan. It also lives in the South China Sea. Other places where it is found include New Caledonia and the Philippines.
