Experts Warn 900 Cone Snail Species Can Sting Fatally, Even From Empty Shells
Updated
Updated · BBC Discover Wildlife · Jun 6
Experts Warn 900 Cone Snail Species Can Sting Fatally, Even From Empty Shells
3 articles · Updated · BBC Discover Wildlife · Jun 6
Summary
Empty cone snail shells can still puncture skin and inject residual neurotoxins because the animals’ harpoon-like radular tooth may remain primed after death.
Conus geographus, a 10-15cm species, is among the most dangerous: its venom can cause paralysis, necrosis, coma, respiratory failure and death by rapidly disrupting nerve function.
Divers Alert Network says beachgoers should assume any cone shell is alive and capable of stinging, avoid handling them and seek emergency medical help immediately after any sting.
Social media and shell collecting habits are increasing the risk because cone snails look small, slow and decorative rather than obviously dangerous.
Some coasts already restrict taking shells for ecological reasons, reinforcing experts’ broader advice to leave shells in place and 'take photographs, not souvenirs.'