Conus omaria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Conus omaria |
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| A close-up of the Omaria cone snail's shell | |
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The Omaria cone, known scientifically as Conus omaria, is a type of sea snail. It's a marine gastropod, which means it's a mollusk that usually has a single shell, like a snail. This particular snail belongs to the Conidae family, also known as the cone snails.
Just like other cone snails, the Omaria cone is a predatory animal. This means it hunts and eats other creatures. These snails are also venomous, meaning they can deliver a sting. Because of their venom, it's very important to be careful around live Omaria cones. It's best not to touch them at all.
What Does the Omaria Cone Look Like?
The shell of the Omaria cone snail can be quite varied in size. It usually measures between 33 millimeters (about 1.3 inches) and 86 millimeters (about 3.4 inches) long.
The shell's color can range from a warm orange-brown to a rich chocolate color. It's often covered with tiny white spots. On top of these small spots, you might see larger white spots that are shaped like triangles. Sometimes, these triangular spots form bands around the shell, especially near the top (shoulder), in the middle, and at the bottom.
Where Do Omaria Cone Snails Live?
You can find the Omaria cone snail in the warm waters of the Central and East Indian Ocean. They live near places like Aldabra, Madagascar, the Mascarene Basin, and Tanzania.
These snails are also found in the Pacific Ocean, off the Philippines and Australia. In Australia, they are seen in the Northern Territory, Queensland, and Western Australia.
Gallery
Below are several color forms:
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An Omaria cone snail shell
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Another view of the Omaria cone shell
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A different color pattern of the Omaria cone
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The Omaria cone showing unique markings
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A varied look of the Omaria cone shell
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Another example of the Omaria cone's shell
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A close-up of the Omaria cone's shell
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An Omaria cone shell with distinct colors
