Tulip Cone
NameTulip Cone
Scientific NameConus tulipa
Common NameTulip Cone, Tulip Cone Snail
FamilyConidae
GenusConus
Speciestulipa
Geographic DistributionWidespread in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, and extending eastward to Hawaii.
Habitatsubtidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)40-90
Identifying FeaturesModerately high, pointed spire; relatively thin shell; smooth body whorl; distinctive reddish-brown and white blotchy pattern; purplish-white aperture interior.
Raritycommon
Author CitationLinnaeus, 1758
Description
A medium-sized, moderately elongated cone snail shell with a relatively high, pointed spire. The body whorl is smooth and tapers towards the anterior end. The exterior displays a striking pattern of irregular reddish-brown to orange-brown blotches and streaks on a lighter background, often interspersed with white or bluish-white markings. The aperture is long and narrow, with a distinctive purplish-white interior.
