Mile Cone

Conus miles

Mile Cone is a species of sea snail characterized by its distinctively thick shell, which can range in size from 50 mm to 136 mm. The shell typically exhibits a yellowish white or pale orange color, adorned with narrow, wavy, thread-like chestnut striations and a chocolate band above the middle. The base of the shell is stained chocolate and bordered by lighter bands. This species can be found in various regions, including Aldabra, Chagos, Madagascar, and the Red Sea, thriving in the Indo-Pacific area, particularly around Australia. They inhabit benthic environments at depths ranging from 1 to 20 meters, often found on reefs and sandy bottoms. As a predatory snail, it primarily feeds on small invertebrates, utilizing its venomous sting to capture prey. Mile Cone is a non-broadcast spawner, meaning it does not release eggs into the water column but rather has a more direct reproductive strategy. Encountering this species while diving can be intriguing, but caution is advised due to their venomous nature. The IUCN status of Mile Cone is listed as Least Concern.