Many of these creatures are capable of inflicting potentially fatal neurotoxin stings. They may look attractive, but many are capable of inflicting a fatal sting capable of penetrating gloves, clothing, or possibly a wetsuit.
Cones normally feed on fish, worms or snails.
They may grow to over six inches in length, and may be found under rocks, under coral, or crawling across the sand. A small harpoon-shaped barb called the radula is extended from the extended proboscis into the victim, and venom is injected. The proboscis expands around the victim and the cone swallows the victim whole. The two long extensions on either side of the proboscis are the tentacles, each with an eye on the end. For a full side view of a cone shell, visit dive instructor Dennis Vine's web site and look for the cone picture in his photo gallery .