Conus granulatus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Conus granulatus |
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| Shell and protoconch of Conus granulatus (specimen at the Smithsonian Institution) | |
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Conus granulatus is a type of sea snail. It's a marine gastropod mollusk, which means it's an animal with a soft body, often protected by a shell. This snail belongs to the family called Conidae, also known as cone snails.
Just like other cone snails, Conus granulatus is a hunter! It's also venomous, meaning it can inject a special liquid to catch its prey. Because of this, it's super important to be careful around live cone snails. It's best not to touch them at all.
Where Does It Live?
You can find Conus granulatus in the western part of the Atlantic Ocean. They live in places like the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. These snails can be found in waters up to 50 meters (about 164 feet) deep.
What Does It Look Like?
The shell of Conus granulatus can grow up to about 64 millimeters (2.5 inches) long. Some shell pieces suggest they might grow even larger, up to 77 millimeters (about 3 inches).
The shell has regular grooves all over its main body. These grooves can be smooth or bumpy. The top part of the shell, called the spire, often has stripes and can look like steps.
The shell is usually orange-red in color. It has thin, dark brown lines that go around it. There's often a white, cloudy band in the middle, which can have brown spots or borders. The inside of the shell's opening, called the aperture, is a pretty rosy color.
Where Does It Like to Live?
Conus granulatus can be found in waters from the surface down to about 30 meters (98 feet) deep.
Near Barbados, these snails seem to prefer living on offshore reefs. These are places where the water is clean, clear, and has lots of oxygen. In the past, they used to live closer to the shore in shallower waters. However, changes in the environment have made them move to deeper, cleaner areas.
Gallery
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Conus granulatus Linnaeus, C., 1758
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Conus granulatus Linnaeus, C., 1758
