Flea-bitten Cone
NameFlea-bitten Cone
Scientific NameConus pulicarius
Common NameFlea-bitten Cone
FamilyConidae
GenusConus
Speciespulicarius
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including areas from East Africa to Hawaii, and from Japan to Australia.
Habitatsubtidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)30
Identifying FeaturesThe most distinctive feature is the 'flea-bitten' pattern of dark spots on a light background. Its conical shape and low spire are also characteristic of the genus *Conus*.
Raritycommon
Author CitationHwass in Bruguière, 1792
Description
A small to medium-sized, heavy, conical seashell characterized by a white to cream background color densely covered with numerous distinct, irregularly scattered dark brown to black spots, giving it a 'flea-bitten' appearance. The shell has a low, somewhat nodulose spire and a broad shoulder. The aperture is long and narrow.
