South African Music Cone
NameSouth African Music Cone
Scientific NameConus musicus Hwass in Bruguière, 1792
Common NameSouth African Music Cone
FamilyConidae
GenusConus
Speciesmusicus
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including East Africa and the waters off South Africa. This specific specimen is from South Africa.
Habitatsubtidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)20
Identifying FeaturesConical shell with a low spire; distinctive pattern of orange-brown spots on a pale background; the live animal often displays a reddish foot and siphon.
Raritycommon
Author CitationHwass in Bruguière, 1792
Description
A small, predatory marine gastropod, characterized by its conical shell. The shell is typically white or pale blue, adorned with irregular orange-brown spots and blotches often arranged in spiral bands. The live animal, as seen in the image, has a reddish foot and is partially buried in sandy, algal substrate.
