Conus figulinus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Conus figulinus |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| A close-up of a fig cone shell | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification |
The fig cone (Conus figulinus) is a type of sea snail. It's a marine gastropod mollusk. This snail belongs to the Conidae family. This family includes all the cone snails and their relatives.
Like all cone snails, the fig cone is a predatory animal. This means it hunts other creatures for food. These snails are also venomous. Their sting can be harmful to humans. So, it's very important to be careful. Never touch a live cone snail.
Some other cone snails look very similar to the fig cone. These include Dendroconus buxeus, Dendroconus glaucus, and Dendroconus loroisii. Even though they look alike, scientists consider each of these a unique species.
What the Fig Cone Looks Like
The shell of an adult fig cone can be quite large. It usually measures between 30 millimeters (about 1.2 inches) and 135 millimeters (about 5.3 inches).
The shell has a beautiful chestnut brown color. It is covered with many thin, unbroken lines. These lines are a darker chocolate brown. The top part of the shell, called the spire, is also chocolate-colored. Sometimes, the middle of the main part of the shell has a narrow, lighter band.
Where the Fig Cone Lives
You can find the fig cone in warm ocean waters around the world. It lives in the Indian Ocean. This includes areas near Madagascar, the Mascarene Basin, Mauritius, and Tanzania.
It also lives across the Indo-West Pacific region. This area includes Indo-Malaysia, Fiji, New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, India, and parts of Australia (Queensland).
Gallery
-
A fig cone shell
-
Another view of a fig cone shell
-
A different fig cone shell
-
This might be a mix of two species: C. figulinus and C. glaucus
