Conus archiepiscopus, commonly known as the Archiepiscopal Cone, is a species of predatory sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Conidae, the cone snails, cone shells or cones. These snails are known for their venomous harpoons, which they use to paralyze their prey.
Description & Characteristics
The Archiepiscopal Cone, Conus archiepiscopus, is a large cone snail with a distinctive shell. It has a conical shape with a pointed spire and a smooth, glossy surface. The shell is typically white or cream-colored with brown or reddish-brown markings. It can reach a maximum size of 12 centimeters in length.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Archiepiscopal Cone, Conus archiepiscopus, is found in the Indo-Pacific region. Its distribution spans from the Red Sea to the Pacific Ocean, including the Indian Ocean. The species typically inhabits shallow waters, mainly in the intertidal zone and down to depths of 20 meters. Its presence is common in coral reefs and sandy bottoms in tropical marine environments.
Taxonomy
The species Conus archiepiscopus belongs to the Class: Gastropoda, Order: Neogastropoda, and Family: Conidae. This family is diverse and includes a wide variety of cone snails found throughout the world’s oceans.
Feeding
Like other cone snails, Conus archiepiscopus is a carnivorous predator. It hunts using a venomous harpoon, which it fires from its radula. This harpoon contains a potent neurotoxin that paralyzes the prey, allowing the snail to consume it. The Archiepiscopal Cone’s diet primarily consists of worms and other small invertebrates.
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