Barbouriidae
The Barbouriidae are a family of small, benthic, predatory sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the superfamily Conoidea. Previously, these snails were considered a subfamily of the Conidae, but they are now recognized as a distinct family.
Common Names
These sea snails are commonly known as cone snails, although this term is often used for the entire family Conidae. The common name barbouriid is used for the family Barbouriidae.
Characteristics
Barbouriidae are characterized by their relatively small size, usually less than 5 centimeters in length. They have a distinctive, slender shell with a pointed apex and a narrow aperture. The shell surface is often smooth or weakly sculptured. These snails possess a venomous harpoon-like radula, similar to other Conoidea, used to capture prey. Their venom is highly toxic and can be lethal to humans.
Environments
Barbouriidae are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. They typically inhabit shallow, sandy, or muddy bottoms in coastal areas. Some species are known to inhabit coral reefs.
References