Thousand-spot Cone
NameThousand-spot Cone
Scientific NameConus puncticulatus
Common NameThousand-spot Cone
FamilyConidae
GenusConus
Speciespuncticulatus
Geographic DistributionWestern Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and off the coast of Brazil.
Habitatsubtidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)20-50
Identifying FeaturesDistinct conical shape with a broad shoulder and low spire. The subtle color pattern of pale pinkish-brown with whitish bands and minute, faint reddish-brown spots is characteristic. Fine spiral grooves are present on the anterior portion of the shell.
Raritycommon
Author CitationHwass in Bruguière, 1792
Description
A medium-sized, conical marine gastropod shell, characterized by a broad shoulder and a low, slightly stepped spire. The body whorl tapers towards the base. The shell's background color is typically pale pinkish-brown or beige, adorned with two broad, indistinct whitish spiral bands. Numerous minute, faint reddish-brown spots or dashes are scattered across the shell surface, giving it a 'thousand-spot' appearance. The surface is generally smooth and glossy, with fine spiral grooves visible towards the anterior end. The aperture is long and narrow, and its interior is white.
