Coronated Cone

Conus coronatus

Conus coronatus is a small, squat sea snail with a shell size ranging from 15 mm to 47 mm. The shell features slight nodules on the shoulders of its whorls and displays a light, mottled pinkish-blue coloration adorned with brown dots and blotches. The aperture of the shell is purple-brown, which can help distinguish it from similar species. Divers should exercise caution when encountering this species, as it is predatory and venomous, capable of delivering a sting to humans. Therefore, it is advisable to handle live specimens carefully or avoid direct contact altogether. This species inhabits various regions, including the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, particularly around Madagascar, Chagos, the Mascarene Basin, and Aldabra. It is also found in the tropical Indo-West Pacific, extending to areas off New Zealand and Australia, including New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, and Western Australia. Conus coronatus typically resides in shallow waters, often under boulders or on reefs, at depths ranging from the low tide mark to 20 meters. As a non-broadcast spawner, Conus coronatus does not go through a trocophore stage in its life cycle. Its diet primarily consists of small invertebrates, which it captures using its venomous harpoon-like radula. Encounters with this species during dives can be intriguing, as divers may observe it resting on the substrate or partially hidden under rocks, providing an excellent opportunity for photography while maintaining a safe distance.