Mediterranean Cone Snail
NameMediterranean Cone Snail
Scientific NameConus ventricosus
Common NameMediterranean Cone Snail
FamilyConidae
GenusConus
Speciesventricosus
Geographic DistributionMediterranean Sea and adjacent Eastern Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Portugal to West Africa.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)20
Identifying FeaturesDistinctive conical shell shape, relatively low spire, characteristic color pattern (though variable and often obscured by epibionts), and its presence in the Mediterranean region. The living animal shows a dark siphon extending from the anterior end.
Raritycommon
Author CitationGmelin, 1791
Description
A living marine gastropod, the Mediterranean Cone Snail, partially buried in sandy substrate. Its shell is distinctly conical, with a moderately low, pointed spire and a broad body whorl. The shell surface exhibits a base color of yellowish-brown or olive, overlaid with irregular darker greenish-brown blotches and spiral rows of fine dark dots. Much of the shell is covered by green filamentous algae, indicating its natural habitat. A dark siphon is visible extending from the anterior end of the shell, along with parts of the foot.
