These attractive univalve molluscs

These attractive univalve molluscs are highly valued by shell collectors. They usually grow to around 10cm in length and have very distinguished colours and patterns on their shells.

These attractive univalve molluscs are highly valued by shell collectors. They usually grow to around 10cm in length and have very distinguished colours and patterns on their shells.
At the narrow end of the shell they have an extendable proboscis. Using this proboscis they can jab a minute harpoon with 1 to 20 radular teeth penetrating skin to inject venom to immobilise their victim.
The toxins vary between different species. The fish-eating cone shells are probably the only ones dangerous to humans.