Virgin Cone
NameVirgin Cone
Scientific NameConus virgo
Common NameVirgin Cone
FamilyConidae
GenusConus
Speciesvirgo
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including East Africa, Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Western Pacific Ocean.
Habitatsubtidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)Typically ranges from 70 to 100 mm, but can grow up to 130 mm.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size, heavy shell, low spire, uniform yellowish-orange body color, and the prominent violet/purple stain inside the anterior aperture. The thick, fibrous periostracum is also characteristic.
Raritycommon
Author CitationLinnaeus, 1758
Description
A large, heavy, and solid cone shell, typically yellowish-orange to brownish in color, often covered by a thick, fibrous, brownish periostracum. The aperture is white, with a characteristic violet or purplish stain at the anterior end. This specimen is partially covered in sand and detritus, showing its natural habitat.
