“Cone shells are marine snails and are found in reef environments throughout the world. They prey upon other marine organisms, immobilizing them with unique venom. There have been 30 recorded cases of human envenomation by fish-eating cone shells, in some cases fatal. Upon investigation it was found that toxins in cone shell venom possess pharmacological qualities that make them valuable tools in medical research.
In the dynamic marine environment in which cone shells reside, it has been necessary for these gastropods to develop an effective mechanism for immobilizing their otherwise speedy prey.The solution to the snail’s lack of physical agility has been the development of a highly potent concoction of neuronal toxins, which it uses to paralyze its prey (an especially vital factor for the fish eating species).Marbled Cone Snail
Marbled Cone Snail
Marbled Cone Snail
Marbled Cone Snail
Marbled Cone Snail
Marbled Cone Snail
Marbled Cone Snail
Marbled Cone Snail
Marbled Cone Snail
Marbled Cone Snail
Marbled Cone Snail
Cone Snail
Cone Snail_Eating_Fish
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