Ferguson's Cone
NameFerguson's Cone
Scientific NameConus fergusoni
Common NameFerguson's Cone
FamilyConidae
GenusConus
Speciesfergusoni
Geographic DistributionEastern Pacific Ocean, ranging from Baja California, Mexico, south to Peru, including the Galapagos Islands.
Habitatsubtidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)50-120 mm (can reach up to 140 mm)
Identifying FeaturesLarge size, heavy build, distinct conical shape with a broad shoulder, moderately low spire, and often covered by a thick, dark brown periostracum. The aperture is consistently white.
Raritycommon
Author CitationG.B. Sowerby III, 1873
Description
Ferguson's Cone is a large, heavy, conical sea snail shell, often characterized by a thick, dark brown periostracum that covers the underlying white or cream-colored shell. The image displays two specimens: one with its characteristic dark brown periostracum, showing fine axial growth lines, and another cleaned specimen revealing the smooth, white shell beneath. Both shells exhibit a broad shoulder, a moderately low spire, and a clean white aperture. This species is a predatory marine gastropod, typical of the Conidae family.
