Textile Cone (Cloth of Gold Cone)
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Neogastropoda, Family: Conidae, Genus: Conus, Species: Conus textile · Conidae (Cone Snail family) · Gastropod, whole shell, cone shape
Species
Conus textile
Shell Type
Gastropod, whole shell, cone shape
Family
Conidae (Cone Snail family)
Size
Approximately 2 inches long. Adults typically range from 2 to 4 inches, making this specimen a small to average-sized adult.
Color & Pattern
Intricate tent-like pattern of dark brown or reddish-brown markings forming a fine, net-like mesh over a white or pale cream background, resembling woven fabric. The colors are natural, glossy, and vibrant.
Rarity
Common in its natural habitat, but highly sought after by collectors worldwide due to its striking pattern.
Habitat
Found in tropical marine waters, typically in shallow subtidal zones, coral reefs, under coral rocks, and in sandy pockets among reefs from the intertidal zone down to about 50 meters.
Geographic Range
Indo-Pacific region, spanning from the Red Sea and East Africa across the Indian Ocean to Polynesia and Australia.
Description
A classic and highly recognizable cone shell featuring a smooth, polished surface with a distinctive tented or textile-like pattern. The spire is relatively low with slight tubercles, and the aperture is narrow and long, characteristic of predatory cone snails.
Key Features
Inverted cone shape, low flat-topped spire, narrow aperture, and the characteristic complex tent-like brown and white geometric pattern that resembles ancient woven cloth.
Collector Value
Moderately high demand among shell collectors because of its iconic geometric pattern. Common specimens are affordable, but large, flawless specimens or rare color morphs command higher prices.
Condition Notes
Good to Fine condition. The glossy finish is mostly preserved with clear, crisp color patterns and minimal wear on the spire or lip.
Interesting Facts
Live textile cone snails are venomous predators that use a modified harpoon-like radular tooth loaded with neurotoxins to capture prey, primarily other fish. The venom is extremely potent, and live specimens should be handled with extreme caution.
Ecological Role
Apex invertebrate predator in coral reef ecosystems, helping regulate fish populations. Plays a vital role in marine biodiversity, though caution is required due to human toxicity risks.
Similar Species
Conus aulicus (Aulicus Cone) and Conus gloriamaris (Glory of the Seas Cone). Distinguished by variations in the net-like pattern, spire height, and color tones.
Beach Finding Tips
Best found by snorkeling or scuba diving around coral reefs and turning over flat rocks or searching sandy patches at low tide. Live specimens should never be handled with bare hands.