Merchant Cone
NameMerchant Cone
Scientific NameConus mercator
Common NameMerchant Cone
FamilyConidae
GenusConus
Speciesmercator
Geographic DistributionTropical Eastern Atlantic, primarily off the coast of West Africa, including Senegal and Cape Verde.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)30-60 mm
Identifying FeaturesThe most distinctive feature is the tessellated (checkerboard-like) pattern of dark brown on a lighter background, forming two broad bands on the body whorl. The conical shape with a moderately elevated spire is also characteristic.
Raritycommon
Author CitationLinnaeus, 1758
Description
A medium-sized, conical marine gastropod shell characterized by its distinctive tessellated pattern of dark brown markings on a creamy white to yellowish background. The pattern typically forms two broad, irregular bands around the body whorl. The spire is moderately elevated, and the aperture is narrow.
