Conus
Conus
Conus (/ˈkoʊnəs/) is a large genus of small to large predatory sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs, with the common names of cone snails, cone shells or cones. This genus is known for its venomous sting that can prove fatal to humans.
Etymology
The term "Conus" is derived from the Greek word "kōnos", meaning cone. This is in reference to the cone-shaped shells of these marine snails.
Anatomy
The anatomy of a Conus snail is similar to that of other gastropod molluscs. The shell is usually conical in shape, with a narrow, elongated opening. The body of the snail is divided into a head, a visceral mass, and a foot. The head contains the mouth and sensory organs, while the visceral mass contains the internal organs. The foot is used for locomotion.
Venom
Conus snails are known for their venom, which they use to paralyze their prey. The venom is a complex mixture of hundreds of different toxins, and is delivered through a harpoon-like tooth. The venom of some species is strong enough to be fatal to humans.
Related Terms
- Gastropoda: The class of molluscs that includes Conus.
- Venom: A toxic substance produced by animals such as Conus for the purpose of causing harm to others.
- Mollusca: The phylum of invertebrates that includes Conus.
- Marine biology: The study of organisms in the ocean or other marine bodies of water, including Conus.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Conus
- Wikipedia's article - Conus
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