Conus episcopatus

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Conus episcopatus
Conus episcopatus 1.jpg
Apertural and abapertural views of shell of Conus episcopatusMotta, A.J. da, 1982
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Subclass: Caenogastropoda
Order: Neogastropoda
Superfamily: Conoidea
Family: Conidae
Genus: Conus
Species:
C. episcopatus
Binomial name
Conus episcopatus
Da Motta, 1982
Synonyms [2]
  • Conus (Darioconus) episcopatusda Motta, 1982 · accepted, alternate representation
  • Conus episcopatus pupillarisda Motta, 1982
  • Conus episcopus var. elongatusAdam & Leloup, 1937 (invalid: junior homonym of Conus elongatusHolten, 1802; C. episcopus var. oblongusFenaux, 1942, C. episcopatus pupillarisda Motta, 1982, and C. magnificus macilentusLauer, 1989, are replacement names)
  • Conus episcopus var. oblongusFenaux, 1942
  • Conus magnificus macilentusLauer, 1989
  • Darioconus episcopatus(da Motta, 1982)

Conus episcopatus common name the dignified cone, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Conidae, the cone snails and their allies. [2]

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 with care.

Description

The size of the shell varies between 40 mm and 115 mm. The shell of Conus Episcopatus is elongated and has a high spire, which means that it has a tall apex. The shell is relatively thick and heavy, with a glossy surface and a series of raised ridges or ribs that run along its length. The overall shape of the shell is conical, with a pointed apex and a wider base.

The coloration of the shell can vary widely, but it basically has a base color of white or cream, with a series of darker or lighter bands, blotches, or spots that form complex patterns. The patterns can be quite intricate and unique, which is one reason why cone snails are prized by collectors.

Like all cone snails, Conus Episcopatus is venomous and uses its venom to immobilize and kill its prey. Venom is delivered through a harpoon-like structure called a radula tooth located on the proboscis of the snail. The venom of some species of cone snail can be highly toxic and dangerous to humans, and care must be taken when handling them.

Conus episcopatus is found in tropical and subtropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean from the Gulf of Mexico to the Caribbean Sea. It lives in coral reefs and other shallow marine environments, where it feeds on other small marine invertebrates such as worms, molluscs, and crustaceans.

Distribution

This marine species occurs in the tropical Indo-West Pacific, off the Mascarenes; off India; and off Australia (Queensland).

Conus episcopatus Motta, A.J. da, 1982 Conus episcopatus 6.jpg
Conus episcopatusMotta, A.J. da, 1982

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Conus gabelishi is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Conidae, the cone snails and their allies. It gets its name from the researcher who discovered it, A.J. Gabelish.

<i>Conus generalis</i> Species of sea snail

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<i>Conus omaria</i> Species of sea snail

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<i>Conus pennaceus</i> Species of sea snail

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<i>Conus sulcatus</i> Species of sea snail

Conus sulcatus, common name the grooved shell, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Conidae, the cone snails and their allies.

<i>Conus xicoi</i> Species of sea snail

Conus xicoi is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Conidae, the cone snails and their allies.

<i>Conus magus</i> Species of sea snail

Conus magus, common name the magical cone, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Conidae, the cone snails and their allies.

<i>Conus adami</i> Species of sea snail

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<i>Conus queenslandis</i> Species of sea snail

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<i>Conus norai</i> Species of sea snail

Conus norai is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk, in the family Conidae, the cone snails and their allies.

References

  1. ↑ Kohn, A. (2013). "Conus episcopatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2013: e.T192664A2136874. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T192664A2136874.en . Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  2. 1 2 Conus episcopatus Da Motta, 1982 . Retrieved through: World Register of Marine Species  on 27 March 2010.


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