Conus frigidus is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Conidae, the cone snails, cone shells or cone snails. These snails are predatory and venomous.
Description & Characteristics
Conus frigidus is a cone snail with a distinctive shell. The shell’s maximum size can reach approximately 40 millimeters in length. It is typically characterized by its smooth, conical shape, with a pointed apex and a wide aperture. The shell surface can exhibit a variety of colors, including shades of brown, white, and orange. Conus frigidus is commonly found in shallow waters, usually in sandy or rocky substrates.
Habitat and Occurrence
Conus frigidus is found in the Indo-Pacific region. It is a common inhabitant of shallow water habitats, particularly in the intertidal zone and the subtidal zone. The species is most frequently observed in tropical and subtropical regions. Conus frigidus is a significant component of the marine ecosystem, often encountered in sandy or rocky substrates where it plays a crucial role in the food web.
Taxonomy
The species Conus frigidus belongs to the Class Gastropoda, Order Neogastropoda, and Family Conidae. This family is known for its diverse array of species, all of which share a common predatory nature and the possession of a venomous harpoon-like structure.
Feeding
Conus frigidus is a carnivorous species, feeding primarily on other marine organisms, particularly worms, fish, and other small mollusks. It possesses a venomous harpoon-like structure, called a radula, which it uses to paralyze its prey. The snail’s venom is a complex mixture of toxins, capable of quickly incapacitating its target. After injecting the venom, Conus frigidus draws its prey into its shell, where it is digested.
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