Cone shells are well-known since they possess a powerful sting used to capture prey. Many have been fatally wounded when handling live cones, especially those that feed upon mollusks and fishes. If one must, the least dangerous method is to hold the shell at the widest point and be prepared to let go if the animal extends itself. Never place live cones in a pants pocket, wetsuit, or bag close to the body. Cones are prey-specific, feeding upon worms, mollusks, or small fish, those that eat worms having the weakest venom, probably comparable to a bee sting. The sting comes from a hollow harpoon dart also known as the radula. It is rapidly thrust into prey by the highly extensible proboscis then venom is pumped into the wound, paralyzing the animal instantaneously. The barbed harpoon tip allows the cone to draw the entire animal into the mouth.