Cat Cone
NameCat Cone
Scientific NameConus catus
Common NameCat Cone
FamilyConidae
GenusConus
Speciescatus
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including East Africa, the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Western Pacific.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)30
Identifying FeaturesBroadly conical shell shape, relatively low spire, and distinctive irregular dark axial markings on a lighter background. The living animal's mottled foot and white siphon with a dark tip are also characteristic.
Raritycommon
Author CitationHwass in Bruguière, 1792
Description
The image displays a living Cat Cone snail (*Conus catus*) actively moving on a sandy and possibly rocky substrate, likely in a shallow marine environment. The shell is broadly conical with a moderately low, slightly stepped spire. Its coloration is a pale yellowish-brown to greyish background, heavily adorned with irregular, dark brown to blackish axial streaks and blotches, which are particularly prominent on the upper part of the body whorl and spire. The shell surface appears somewhat dull or covered with fine detritus/algae. The animal's foot is visible, mottled with shades of brown and white, and a white siphon with a dark tip is extended from the anterior end of the shell.
