Textile Cone (Cloth-of-Gold Conus)
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 3.5 inches, which is on the larger end of average for this species. Adults typically range from 2 to 5 inches.
Color & Pattern
Intricate tent-like or net-like pattern consisting of dark brown or yellowish-brown markings forming triangular white or pale tent shapes across the body whorl. The pattern resembles woven fabric, hence the common name. The colors are natural and well-preserved.
Rarity
Common, frequently encountered by divers and beachcombers throughout its native Indo-Pacific range.
Habitat
Shallow tropical marine waters, typically found in intertidal to subtidal zones down to about 50 meters, residing in sandy substrates, under coral rocks, and within coral reef environments.
Geographic Range
Indo-Pacific region, spanning from the Red Sea and East Africa across the Indian Ocean to Polynesia and the Hawaiian Islands.
Description
A classic cone shell with a smooth, glossy, polished finish and a distinctive tent-like pattern resembling woven textile. The shell has a low spire, straight sides tapering to a narrow base, and a long, narrow aperture that runs almost the entire length of the shell.
Key Features
Inverted cone shape, low spire, and a complex tent-like or net-like color pattern with alternating dark brown network and white triangular tent markings.
Collector Value
Moderately high due to its classic beauty and iconic status among cone shell collectors. While common in nature, high-grade, large specimens with vivid patterns are always desirable.
Condition Notes
Good to Fine condition, displaying strong natural color and pattern with minimal wear. The aperture and lip are intact with minor natural growth lines.
Interesting Facts
The Textile Cone is a predatory marine snail that uses a modified, harpoon-like radular tooth loaded with potent neurotoxins (conotoxins) to paralyze prey, primarily other fish. It is considered dangerously venomous to humans and should always be handled with extreme care.
Ecological Role
Acts as an active marine carnivore keeping reef fish populations in balance. Like all cone snails, it is a specialized predator playing a crucial role in maintaining tropical marine biodiversity.
Similar Species
Conus aulicus (Aulicus Cone) and Conus glorieuxii (Glorious Cone), which can be distinguished by differences in the background color, tent patterns, and spire height.
Beach Finding Tips
Look in tropical Indo-Pacific regions during extreme low tides by carefully turning over flat rocks or searching sandy pockets near coral reefs. Exercise caution due to the live animal's venomous nature.