Ivory Cone

Conus eburneus

The Ivory Cone is a marine gastropod mollusk characterized by its white shell, which typically displays two or three light yellowish bands adorned with very dark brown revolving spots. Adult shells can range in size from 30 mm to 79 mm. This species is found in the tropical Indo-West Pacific, inhabiting shallow sandy areas from the coast of East Africa, including Madagascar and Chagos, to Australia, Polynesia, and the Ryukyu Islands, but it is absent from Hawaii. It generally resides at depths between 3 and 63 meters, with most occurrences recorded shallower than 40 meters. As a predatory and venomous species, the Ivory Cone feeds primarily on small invertebrates. It is important to note that these snails are capable of stinging humans, so divers should exercise caution and avoid handling live specimens. The Ivory Cone is a non-broadcast spawner, meaning it does not release its eggs into the water column, and its life cycle does not include a trocophore stage. Encounters with the Ivory Cone during dives can be intriguing, as divers may observe these snails camouflaged against sandy substrates. Their unique shell patterns make them distinguishable from other cone snails. The conservation status of the Ivory Cone is listed as Least Concern, indicating that it is not currently facing significant threats to its population.