Hebrew Cone
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Subclass: Caenogastropoda, Order: Neogastropoda, Family: Conidae, Genus: Conus, Species: Conus ebraeus · Conidae (Cone Snail family) · Gastropod (univalve); whole shell; obconic/inverted cone shape with a low spire.
Species
Conus ebraeus
Shell Type
Gastropod (univalve); whole shell; obconic/inverted cone shape with a low spire.
Family
Conidae (Cone Snail family)
Size
Approximately 15-20mm (0.6-0.8 inches). This is a juvenile or small adult specimen; the species typically ranges from 25mm to 50mm in full maturity.
Color & Pattern
Base color is off-white to creamy white. It features distinctive dark brown to blackish rhomboidal or rectangular spots arranged in transverse bands. This specimen appears slightly beach-worn or sun-bleached, as the typically stark black markings are faded to a reddish-brown.
Rarity
Common. It is a frequent find for beachcombers across its natural range due to its preference for very shallow water.
Habitat
Thrives in tropical marine environments, specifically in shallow intertidal waters. They are commonly found on reef flats, rocky substrates, and among coral rubble or sandy patches near the shoreline.
Geographic Range
Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, Hawaii, and Polynesia. It is one of the most widely distributed cone species in the world.
Description
A sturdy, thick-walled shell with a characteristic cone shape. The spire is low and slightly convex with rounded shoulders. The body whorl is smooth towards the top but may show slight spiral ridges near the base. The pattern of dark blocks against a light background resembles Hebrew script, giving the shell its common name.
Key Features
Obconic shape; rounded shoulders on the body whorl; two to three distinct rows of dark rectangular markings; relatively thick shell for its small size; narrow, straight aperture.
Collector Value
Low. Because it is common and this specimen is somewhat weathered, its value is primarily sentimental or educational. Pristine 'Gem' quality specimens with dark, sharp markings are readily available for $2-$5.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. The shell is structurally intact, but the apical area (tip) shows erosion. The colors are faded from exposure to the elements (typical 'beach-collected' condition), and the original glossy periostracum is missing.
Interesting Facts
Like all cone snails, this species is venomous. It uses a modified radula tooth like a harpoon to inject toxins into its prey, primarily polychaete worms. While not as dangerous to humans as fish-eating cone snails (like Conus geographus), it should still be handled with caution when live.
Ecological Role
A specialized predator that helps control populations of marine worms. It serves as a food source for certain crabs and larger predatory mollusks.
Similar Species
Conus chaldaeus (The Astrological Cone), which has more elongated, vertical black streaks rather than rectangular blocks, and Conus judaeus, which is smaller with a more restricted range.
Beach Finding Tips
Look in tide pools and among coral rubble at low tide. They are often found tucked into crevices or partially buried in sand near the edge of reef flats.