Conus neptunus

Conus neptunus, common name the Neptune cone, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Conidae, the cone snails and their allies.^[1]

Conus neptunus
Apertural view of Conus neptunus
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Mollusca
Class:	Gastropoda
Subclass:	Caenogastropoda
Order:	Neogastropoda
Superfamily:	Conoidea
Family:	Conidae
Genus:	Conus
Species:	C. neptunus
Binomial name
Conus neptunus Reeve, 1843
Synonyms[1]
Asprella neptunus (Reeve, 1843) Conus colorovariegatus Kosuge, 1981 Conus neptunoides E. A. Smith, 1880 Conus neptunus futunaensis Moolenbeek & Röckel, 1996 Conus (Phasmoconus) neptunus Reeve, 1843 · accepted, alternate representation Darioconus neptunoides Smith, E.A., 1880 Graphiconus neptunus (Reeve, 1843)

Like all species within the genus Conus, these snails are predatory and venomous. They are capable of stinging humans, therefore live ones should be handled carefully or not at all.

Description

The size of an adult shell varies between 43 mm and 80 mm. The solid shell is narrow, with a concavely elevated spire and a sharp apex. The body whorl is distantly grooved towards the base. The shell has a flesh color, everywhere veined and clouded with reddish chestnut flexuous lines and spots. The aperture is rosy white.^[2]

Distribution

This species occurs off the Philippines, Australia and in the Southwest Pacific Ocean.