Cone Snail

About the Cone Snail

One of the most dangerous animals in the ocean. Their harpoon-like tooth injects conotoxin, a complex venom cocktail. There is no antivenom. A single sting from the geography cone can be fatal. They are the most venomous of 500+ venomous cone snail species. They hunt fish by extending a proboscis with a hollow harpoon tooth. Their venoms are being studied for pain medication - one derived drug (Prialt) is 1,000x more potent than morphine. Over 800 species exist. Many have beautiful patterned shells prized by collectors. They are found in shallow reef areas.