The Captain Cone
NameThe Captain Cone
Scientific NameConus capitaneus
Common NameCaptain Cone
FamilyConidae
GenusConus
Speciescapitaneus
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including East Africa, the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Western Pacific.
Habitatsubtidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)40-80
Identifying FeaturesDistinctive orange/yellow and white banding, often with dark markings, and a relatively broad, flat-shouldered conical shape. The yellowish-green body of the living animal with dark-tipped siphon and foot is also characteristic. The periostracum can be thick and somewhat hairy.
Raritycommon
Author CitationLinnaeus, 1758
Description
The Captain Cone, *Conus capitaneus*, is a medium-sized predatory sea snail belonging to the family Conidae. Its shell is distinctly conical with a broad, somewhat flattened shoulder and a low spire. The living animal is often seen with its vibrant yellowish-green foot and siphon extended, featuring dark (often black or dark blue) tips. It is a venomous species, like all cone snails, using a specialized harpoon-like radular tooth to capture its prey.
