General Cone (Textile Cone)
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Neogastropoda, Family: Conidae, Genus: Conus, Species: Conus textile · Conidae (Cone snail family) · Gastropod (univalve) whole shell, cone-shaped
Species
Conus textile
Shell Type
Gastropod (univalve) whole shell, cone-shaped
Family
Conidae (Cone snail family)
Size
Approximately 2.5 inches, which is within the average range for this species. Adults typically range from 1.5 to 4 inches (40 to 100 mm).
Color & Pattern
Featuring a classic tent-like or textile pattern with dark brown or reddish-brown triangular and tent-shaped markings arranged in spiral bands over a white or pale cream-colored background. Colors are vibrant and natural with a glossy finish. The aperture is narrow and white.
Rarity
Common throughout its natural geographic range, though pristine specimens are prized.
Habitat
Found in shallow tropical marine waters, typically inhabiting coral reefs, sand pockets among coral, and under rocks from the intertidal zone down to about 50 meters depth.
Geographic Range
Indo-Pacific region, spanning from the Red Sea and East Africa across the Indian Ocean to Polynesia and the Great Barrier Reef.
Description
An exquisite cone shell featuring a smooth, polished surface with a low spire and straight-sided conical body whorl. The pattern resembles woven fabric, giving it its common name. The aperture is long and narrow, maintaining a consistent width from top to bottom, typical of predatory cone shells.
Key Features
Inverted cone shape, low spire, smooth body whorl, and the distinctive tent-like brown markings on a white background. The narrow aperture and absence of a thick outer lip are also diagnostic.
Collector Value
Moderately high demand among shell collectors due to its iconic pattern and global distribution. Common specimens sell for affordable prices, but exceptionally large or color-form variants command higher prices.
Condition Notes
Fine to Gem condition. The shell is intact with glossy luster, bright natural coloration, and no major chips or structural damage.
Interesting Facts
All cone snails are venomous predators. The Textile Cone uses a modified radular tooth like a harpoon to inject a potent neurotoxin (conotoxin) to paralyze prey. Some larger species are dangerously venomous to humans and should be handled with extreme care when alive.
Ecological Role
Acts as a specialized carnivorous predator feeding mainly on other marine snails and small fish, helping maintain balance in coral reef ecosystems. Live cone snails should never be picked up with bare hands.
Similar Species
Conus aulicus (Aulicus Cone) and Conus gloriamaris (Glory of the Seas Cone), which can be distinguished by different tenting patterns and spire heights.
Beach Finding Tips
Best found by snorkeling or scuba diving around coral reefs and sand flats at low tide. Empty shells can sometimes be found washed up in sandy beach pockets in the Indo-Pacific.