Cone snail
Encyclopedia
Conidae is a taxonomic family
of minute to quite large sea snail
s, marine
gastropod molluscs in the superfamily Conoidea
.
The snails within this family are sophisticated predatory animals. They hunt and immobilize prey using a modified radula
r tooth along with a venom gland containing neurotoxin
s; the tooth is launched out of the snail's mouth in a harpoon
-like action.
Until fairly recently, the family Conidae contained only Conus
species, but then the family was split into several subfamilies, including many which were previously in the family Turridae
. As a result of that change, the Conus species were moved to the subfamily Coninae
. Current taxonomic changes as of 2011, based upon molecular phylogeny
(see below), have elevated the subfamilies which were previously in the family Turridae
to the status of families in their own right, leaving the family Conidae once again containing the species which were traditionally placed in that family.
), this family consisted of seven subfamilies.
The classification by Bouchet et al. (2011) based on mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA testing builds on the prior work by J.K. Tucker & M.J. Tenorio (2009), but does not include fossil taxa.
Molecular phylogeny
, particularly with the advent of nuclear DNA testing in addition to the mDNA testing (testing in the Conidae initially began by Christopher Meyer and Alan Kohn) is continuing on the Conidae. Recognized genera of Conidae up through J.K. Tucker & M.J. Tenorio (2009), and Bouchet et al. (2011), include:
[ * Genera deemed within the family Conilithidae by Tucker & Tenorio 2009.]
Despite what appears to be an accepted generic classification scheme for the Conidae some experts are still holding (in 2011) to the traditional classification system and lump all species in a single family Conidae within the Linnean genus Conus
, apparently waiting for a complete molecular phylogeny of the entire family to be completed. According to the World Register of Marine Species
all species within the family Conidae are in the genus Conus
and the genera recognized by Tucker & Tenorio 2009 are deemed an "alternate representation." Debate within the scientific community regarding this issue continues, and additional molecular phylogeny
studies are being carried out in an attempt to clarify the issue.
studies in 2011 many genera in the family Conidae have been moved to new families within the superfamily Conoidea
. The following list of genera is maintained for historical reasons.
) immobilize prey by using venom, consisting of a mixture of peptide
s, called conopeptides. The venom of these snails is made up of 10 to 30 amino acid
s, but occasionally as many as 60. The venom of each cone snail species may contain as many as 200 pharmacologically active components. It is estimated that more than 50,000 conopeptides can be found because every species of cone snail is thought to produce its own specific venom.
Cone snail venom, in more recent years, has come to interest biotechnologists and pharmacists because of its potential medicinal properties. Production of synthetic conopeptides has started, using solid-phase peptide synthesis.
W-conopeptide, from the species Conus magus
was used in the analgesic
drug Prialt, an approved treatment for pain said to be 1000 times as powerful as morphine
. Conopeptides are also be looked at as anti-epileptic agents and to help stop nerve-cell death after a stroke or head injury. Conopeptides also have possibilities in helping spasms due to spinal cord
injuries, and may be helpful in diagnosing and treating small cell carcinoma
s in the lung.
The biotechnology
surrounding cone snails and their venom has promise for medical breakthroughs; with more than 50,000 conopeptides to study, the possibilities are numerous.
Family (biology)
In biological classification, family is* a taxonomic rank. Other well-known ranks are life, domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, genus, and species, with family fitting between order and genus. As for the other well-known ranks, there is the option of an immediately lower rank, indicated by the...
of minute to quite large sea snail
Sea snail
Sea snail is a common name for those snails that normally live in saltwater, marine gastropod molluscs....
s, marine
Marine (ocean)
Marine is an umbrella term. As an adjective it is usually applicable to things relating to the sea or ocean, such as marine biology, marine ecology and marine geology...
gastropod molluscs in the superfamily Conoidea
Conoidea
Conoidea is a superfamily of predatory sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks within the suborder Hypsogastropoda. This superfamily is a very large group of marine mollusks, estimated at about 340 recent valid genera and subgenera, and considered by one authority to contain 4,000 named living species...
.
The snails within this family are sophisticated predatory animals. They hunt and immobilize prey using a modified radula
Radula
The radula is an anatomical structure that is used by molluscs for feeding, sometimes compared rather inaccurately to a tongue. It is a minutely toothed, chitinous ribbon, which is typically used for scraping or cutting food before the food enters the esophagus...
r tooth along with a venom gland containing neurotoxin
Neurotoxin
A neurotoxin is a toxin that acts specifically on nerve cells , usually by interacting with membrane proteins such as ion channels. Some sources are more general, and define the effect of neurotoxins as occurring at nerve tissue...
s; the tooth is launched out of the snail's mouth in a harpoon
Harpoon
A harpoon is a long spear-like instrument used in fishing to catch fish or large marine mammals such as whales. It accomplishes this task by impaling the target animal, allowing the fishermen to use a rope or chain attached to the butt of the projectile to catch the animal...
-like action.
Until fairly recently, the family Conidae contained only Conus
Conus
Conus is a large genus of small to large predatory sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs, with the common names of cone snails, cone shells or cones. This genus is placed in the subfamily Coninae within the family Conidae. Geologically speaking, the genus is known from the Eocene to the Recent ...
species, but then the family was split into several subfamilies, including many which were previously in the family Turridae
Turridae
Turridae, , is a large taxonomic family of predatory sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks, that vary in size from minute to moderately large. With more than 4,000 species, the Turridae is the largest mollusk family and group of marine caenogastropods...
. As a result of that change, the Conus species were moved to the subfamily Coninae
Coninae
Coninae, common names the cone snails, cone shells or cones is a subfamily of small to quite large sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.These are sophisticated predatory animals...
. Current taxonomic changes as of 2011, based upon molecular phylogeny
Molecular phylogeny
Molecular phylogenetics is the analysis of hereditary molecular differences, mainly in DNA sequences, to gain information on an organism's evolutionary relationships. The result of a molecular phylogenetic analysis is expressed in a phylogenetic tree...
(see below), have elevated the subfamilies which were previously in the family Turridae
Turridae
Turridae, , is a large taxonomic family of predatory sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks, that vary in size from minute to moderately large. With more than 4,000 species, the Turridae is the largest mollusk family and group of marine caenogastropods...
to the status of families in their own right, leaving the family Conidae once again containing the species which were traditionally placed in that family.
List of Conus species
The family Conidae contains well over 600 recognized species, which traditionally have all been placed in the genus Conus.1993 taxonomy
According to Taylor, et al. (1993) and the taxonomy of the Gastropoda by Bouchet & Rocroi, 2005Taxonomy of the Gastropoda (Bouchet & Rocroi, 2005)
The taxonomy of the Gastropoda as it was revised by Philippe Bouchet and Jean-Pierre Rocroi is currently the most up-to-date overall system for classifying gastropod mollusks...
), this family consisted of seven subfamilies.
- ConinaeConinaeConinae, common names the cone snails, cone shells or cones is a subfamily of small to quite large sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.These are sophisticated predatory animals...
Fleming, 1822 - synonyms: Conulinae Rafinesque, 1815 (inv.); Textiliinae da Motta, 1995 (n.a.) - ClathurellinaeClathurellinaeClathurellinae was a subfamily of small to quite large sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.In 2011 this subfamily was split into three new families: Borsoniidae, Mitromorphidae and Clathurellidae - Genera :...
H. Adams & A. Adams, 1858 - synonyms: Defranciinae Gray, 1853 (inv.); Borsoniinae A. Bellardi, 1875; Pseudotominae A. Bellardi, 1888; Diptychomitrinae L. Bellardi, 1888; Mitrolumnidae Sacco, 1904; Mitromorphinae Casey, 1904; Lorinae Thiele, 1925 sensu Opinion 666 - ConorbiinaeConorbiinaeConorbiinae was a subfamily of small to quite large sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.This subfamily has also been written by several authors as "Conorbinae". Conorbiinae was a subfamily of small to quite large sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family...
de Gregorio, 1880 - synonym: Cryptoconinae Cossmann, 1896 - MangeliinaeMangeliinaeMangeliidae is a monophyletic family of small to medium-sized sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the superfamily Conoidea. Bouchet, Kantor et al. elevated in 2011 the subfamily Mangeliinae together with subfamily Oenopitinae to the rank of family...
P. Fischer, 1883 - synonym: Cytharinae Thiele, 1929 - OenopotinaeOenopotinaeOenopotinae is a subfamily of small to medium sized sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Description:The Oenopotinae are characterized by a thin, elongate-ovate to fusiform shell in the form of a tall spire with a size between 4.7mm and 24.5 mm. They show a present,...
Bogdanov, 1987 - synonym: Lorinae Thiele, 1925 sensu Thiele - RaphitominaeRaphitominaeRaphitominae is a subfamily of small to quite large sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Genera:* Acrobela Thiele, 1925* Bellardiella Tapparone Canefri, 1883* Buccinaria Kittl, 1887* Daphnella Hinds, 1844...
A. Bellardi, 1875 - synonyms: Daphnellinae Casey, 1904; Taraninae Casey, 1904; Thatcheriidae Powell, 1942; Pleurotomellinae F. Nordsieck, 1968; Andoniinae Vera-Pelaez, 2002 - † Siphopsinae Le Renard, 1995
2011 taxonomy
In 2011 several subfamilies have been raised to the rank of family:- Clathurellinae has been split up into three families: BorsoniidaeBorsoniidaeBorsoniidae is a monophyletic family of small to medium-sized sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the superfamily Conoidea.In 2011, Bouchet, Kantor et al...
(also including species from TurridaeTurridaeTurridae, , is a large taxonomic family of predatory sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks, that vary in size from minute to moderately large. With more than 4,000 species, the Turridae is the largest mollusk family and group of marine caenogastropods...
), Mitromorphidae and ClathurellidaeClathurellidaeClathurellidae is a monophyletic family of small to medium-sized sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the superfamily Conoidea.- 2005 taxonomy :...
(all previously lumped under the TurridaeTurridaeTurridae, , is a large taxonomic family of predatory sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks, that vary in size from minute to moderately large. With more than 4,000 species, the Turridae is the largest mollusk family and group of marine caenogastropods...
). - Conorbiinae has been raised to the rank of family ConorbidaeConorbidaeConorbidae is a monophyletic family of small to medium-sized sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the superfamily Conoidea.In 2009, John K. Tucker and Manuel J. Tenorio elevated the subfamily Conorbiinae to the rank of family...
, consisting of three genera: ArtemidiconusArtemidiconusArtemidiconus is a monospecific genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conorbidae.Like other species in the superfamily Conoidea these snails are predatory and venomous, able to inject neurotoxins into their prey with their radula.-Species:The only known species within the...
da Motta, 1991, Benthofascitis Iredale, 1936, and ConorbisConorbisConorbis is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conorbidae.This genus was formerly classified in the family Conidae by Vredenburg in the clade Neogastropoda by Sepkoski and in the subfamily Conorbiinae by Harzhauser .Conorbis is the type genus of the family Conorbidae...
Swainson, 1840. - Mangeliinae and Oenopotinae have been raised together to the rank of family Mangeliidae (previously lumped in the TurridaeTurridaeTurridae, , is a large taxonomic family of predatory sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks, that vary in size from minute to moderately large. With more than 4,000 species, the Turridae is the largest mollusk family and group of marine caenogastropods...
). - Raphitominae has been raised to the rank of family Raphitomidae (also previously lumped in the TurridaeTurridaeTurridae, , is a large taxonomic family of predatory sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks, that vary in size from minute to moderately large. With more than 4,000 species, the Turridae is the largest mollusk family and group of marine caenogastropods...
).
The classification by Bouchet et al. (2011) based on mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA testing builds on the prior work by J.K. Tucker & M.J. Tenorio (2009), but does not include fossil taxa.
Molecular phylogeny
Molecular phylogeny
Molecular phylogenetics is the analysis of hereditary molecular differences, mainly in DNA sequences, to gain information on an organism's evolutionary relationships. The result of a molecular phylogenetic analysis is expressed in a phylogenetic tree...
, particularly with the advent of nuclear DNA testing in addition to the mDNA testing (testing in the Conidae initially began by Christopher Meyer and Alan Kohn) is continuing on the Conidae. Recognized genera of Conidae up through J.K. Tucker & M.J. Tenorio (2009), and Bouchet et al. (2011), include:
- AfriconusAfriconusAfriconus is a proposed genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae, the cone snails and their allies. This genus currently is still treated by some experts as an "alternative representation" of this group of species.When the "alternative representations" are not used,...
Petuch, 1975, - AsprellaAsprellaAsprella is a proposed genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae, the cone snails and their allies. This genus currently is still treated by some experts as an "alternative representation" of this group of species.When the "alternative representations" are not used,...
Schaufuss, 1869, - AustroconusAustroconusAustroconus is a proposed genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae, the cone snails and their allies. This genus currently is still treated by some experts as an "alternative representation" of this group of species.When the "alternative representations" are not used,...
Tucker & Tenorio, 2009, - BathyconusBathyconusBathyconus is a proposed genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conilithidae, the cone snails and their allies. This genus currently is still treated by some experts as a member of the family Conidae and as an "alternative representation" of this group of species.When the...
Tucker & Tenorio, 2009,* - CalamiconusCalamiconusCalamiconus is a proposed genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae, the cone snails and their allies. This genus currently is still treated by some experts as an "alternative representation" of this group of species.When the "alternative representations" are not used,...
Tucker & Tenorio, 2009, - CalibanusCalibanus (gastropod)Calibanus is a proposed genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae, the cone snails and their allies. This genus currently is still treated by some experts as an "alternative representation" of this group of species.When the "alternative representations" are not used,...
da Motta, 1991, - CaliforniconusCaliforniconusCaliforniconus is a proposed genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks. This group of species are currently still placed by some experts in the family Conidae, the cone snails and their allies, but would alternatively be placed in a proposed family, the Conilithidae)This genus currently is...
Tucker & Tenorio, 2009,* - ChelyconusChelyconusChelyconus is a proposed genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae, the cone snails and their allies. This genus currently is still treated by some experts as an "alternative representation" of this group of species.When the "alternative representations" are not used,...
Mörch, 1852, - ConasprellaConasprellaConasprella is a proposed genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conilithidae, the cone snails and their allies. This genus currently is still treated by some experts as a member of the family Conidae and as an "alternative representation" of this group of species.When the...
Thiele, 1929,* - ConasprelloidesConasprelloidesConasprelloides is a proposed genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae, the cone snails and their allies. This genus currently is still treated by some experts as an "alternative representation" of this group of species.When the "alternative representations" are not...
Tucker & Tenorio, 2009, - ConusConusConus is a large genus of small to large predatory sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs, with the common names of cone snails, cone shells or cones. This genus is placed in the subfamily Coninae within the family Conidae. Geologically speaking, the genus is known from the Eocene to the Recent ...
Linnaeus, 1758, - Cornutoconus Suzuki, 1972 : synonym of Taranteconus Azuma, 1972
- Cylindrus Batsch, 1789
- Dalliconus Tucker & Tenorio, 2009,*
- Darioconus Iredale, 1930,
- Dauciconus Cotton, 1945,
- Dendroconus Swainson, 1840,
- Ductoconus da Motta, 1991,
- Dyraspis Iredale, 1949,
- Endemoconus Iredale, 1931,
- Eremiconus Tucker & Tenorio, 2009,
- Eugeniconus da Motta, 1991,
- Floraconus Iredale, 1930,
- Fulgiconus da Motta, 1991,
- Fusiconus da Motta, 1991,*
- Gastridium Modeer, 1793,
- Genuanoconus Tucker & Tenorio, 2009,
- Gladioconus Tucker & Tenorio, 2009,
- Globiconus Tucker & Tenorio, 2009,*
- Gradiconus da Motta, 1991,
- Harmoniconus da Motta, 1991,
- Hermes Montfort, 1810,
- JaspidiconusJaspidiconusJaspidiconus is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae, the cone snails and their allies.-Species:Species within the genus Jaspidiconus include:* Jaspidiconus pfluegeri Petuch, 2004...
Petuch, 2004,* - Kalloconus da Motta, 1991,
- Kenyonia Brazier, 1896,
- Ketyconus da Motta, 1991,
- Kioconus da Motta, 1991,
- Kohniconus Tucker & Tenorio, 2009,*
- Kurodaconus Shikama & Habe, 1968,
- Lamniconus da Motta, 1991,
- Lautoconus Monterosato, 1923,
- Leporiconus Iredale, 1930,
- Leptoconus Swainson, 1840,
- Lilliconus Raybaudi Massilia, 1994,*
- Lindaconus Petuch, 2002,
- Lithoconus Mörch, 1852,
- Lividoconus Wils, 1970,
- Miliariconus Tucker & Tenorio, 2009,
- Monteiroconus da Motta, 1991,
- Nataliconus Tucker & Tenorio, 2009,
- Parviconus Cotton & Godfrey, 1932,*
- Perplexiconus Tucker & Tenorio, 2009,*
- Phasmoconus Mörch, 1852,
- Pionoconus Mörch, 1852,
- Plicaustraconus Moolenbeek, 2008,
- Profundiconus Kuroda, 1956,*
- Protoconus da Motta, 1991,
- Protostrioconus Tucker & Tenorio, 2009,
- PseudoconorbisPseudoconorbisPseudoconorbis is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae, the cone snails and their allies.-Species:Species within the genus Pseudoconorbis include:* Pseudoconorbis coromandelicus...
Tucker & Tenorio, 2009,* - Pseudolilliconus Tucker & Tenorio, 2009,
- Pseudonoduloconus Tucker & Tenorio, 2009,
- Puncticulis Swainson, 1840,
- Purpuriconus da Motta, 1991,
- Pyruconus Olsson, 1967,
- Quasiconus Tucker & Tenorio, 2009,*
- Rhizoconus Mörch, 1852,
- Rhombiconus Tucker & Tenorio, 2009,
- Rolaniconus Tucker & Tenorio, 2009,
- Sciteconus da Motta, 1991,
- Seminoleconus Petuch, 2003,
- Stellaconus Tucker & Tenorio, 2009,
- Stephanoconus Mörch, 1852,
- Strategoconus da Motta, 1991,
- Taranteconus Azuma, 1972,
- Textilia Swainson, 1840,
- Trovaoconus Tucker & Tenorio, 2009,
- Turriconus Shikama & Habe, 1968,
- Varioconus da Motta, 1991,
- Viminiconus Tucker & Tenorio, 2009,*
- Virgiconus Cotton, 1945,
- Virroconus Iredale, 1930,
- Vituliconus da Motta, 1991,
- Ximeniconus Emerson & Old, 1962,*
- Yeddoconus Tucker & Tenorio, 2009.*
[ * Genera deemed within the family Conilithidae by Tucker & Tenorio 2009.]
Despite what appears to be an accepted generic classification scheme for the Conidae some experts are still holding (in 2011) to the traditional classification system and lump all species in a single family Conidae within the Linnean genus Conus
Conus
Conus is a large genus of small to large predatory sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs, with the common names of cone snails, cone shells or cones. This genus is placed in the subfamily Coninae within the family Conidae. Geologically speaking, the genus is known from the Eocene to the Recent ...
, apparently waiting for a complete molecular phylogeny of the entire family to be completed. According to the World Register of Marine Species
World Register of Marine Species
The World Register of Marine Species is a database that hopes to provide an authoritative and comprehensive list of names of marine organisms. The content of the registry is edited and maintained by scientific specialists on each group of organism. These taxonomists control the quality of the...
all species within the family Conidae are in the genus Conus
Conus
Conus is a large genus of small to large predatory sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs, with the common names of cone snails, cone shells or cones. This genus is placed in the subfamily Coninae within the family Conidae. Geologically speaking, the genus is known from the Eocene to the Recent ...
and the genera recognized by Tucker & Tenorio 2009 are deemed an "alternate representation." Debate within the scientific community regarding this issue continues, and additional molecular phylogeny
Molecular phylogeny
Molecular phylogenetics is the analysis of hereditary molecular differences, mainly in DNA sequences, to gain information on an organism's evolutionary relationships. The result of a molecular phylogenetic analysis is expressed in a phylogenetic tree...
studies are being carried out in an attempt to clarify the issue.
Genera (before 2011)
At some point in time before 2011 the following genera were included within the family Conidae: http://zipcodezoo.com/Key/Animalia/Conidae_Family.asp. Following molecular phylogenyMolecular phylogeny
Molecular phylogenetics is the analysis of hereditary molecular differences, mainly in DNA sequences, to gain information on an organism's evolutionary relationships. The result of a molecular phylogenetic analysis is expressed in a phylogenetic tree...
studies in 2011 many genera in the family Conidae have been moved to new families within the superfamily Conoidea
Conoidea
Conoidea is a superfamily of predatory sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks within the suborder Hypsogastropoda. This superfamily is a very large group of marine mollusks, estimated at about 340 recent valid genera and subgenera, and considered by one authority to contain 4,000 named living species...
. The following list of genera is maintained for historical reasons.
- AbyssobelaAbyssobelaAbyssobela is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Abyssobela include:* Abyssobela atoxica Kantor & Sysoev, 1986...
Kantor & Sysoev, 1986 - Acamptodaphne Shuto, 1971
- AgathotomaAgathotomaAgathotoma is a genus of minute sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks or micromollusks in the family Mangeliidae. There are at least eighteen described species.-Species:Species within the genus Agathotoma include:...
Cossman, 1899 - AliceiaAliceiaAliceia is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Aliceia include:* Aliceia aenigmatica Dautzenberg & Fischer H., 1897* Aliceia okutanii Sasaki & Warén, 2007...
Dautzenberg & Fischer, 1897 - AntimitraAntimitraAntimitra is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.The genus has become a synonym of Metula H. Adams & A...
Iredale, 1917 - AsperdaphneAsperdaphneAsperdaphne is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Asperdaphne include:* Asperdaphne aculeata * Asperdaphne amplecta Hedley, 1922...
Hedley, 1922 - Asprella (considered a synonym of ConusConusConus is a large genus of small to large predatory sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs, with the common names of cone snails, cone shells or cones. This genus is placed in the subfamily Coninae within the family Conidae. Geologically speaking, the genus is known from the Eocene to the Recent ...
by some authors) - AustrodaphnellaAustrodaphnellaAustrodaphnella is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Austrodaphnella include:* Austrodaphnella alcestis * Austrodaphnella clathrata Laseron, 1954...
Laseron, 1954 - BactrocytharaBactrocytharaBactrocythara is a genus of small sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Mangeliidae.-Species:Species within the genus Bactrocythara include:* Bactrocythara agachada Rolán, Otero-Schmitt & Fernandes, 1994...
Woodring, 1928 - BathybelaBathybelaBathybela is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Bathybela include:* Bathybela nudator * Bathybela papyracea Waren & Bouchet, 2001...
Kobelt, 1905 - Bathytoma Harris & Burrows 1891
- BelaBela (gastropod)Bela is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Mangeliidae.-Species:Species within the genus Bela include:* Bela africana Ardovini, 2004* Bela alma Thiele, 1925* Bela anderssoni Strebel, 1908...
Gray, 1847 - BelaturriculaBelaturriculaBelaturricula is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Borsoniidae.-Species:Species within the genus Belaturricula include:* Belaturricula antarctica Dell, 1990* Belaturricula dissimilis...
Powell, 1951 - BenthomangeliaBenthomangeliaBenthomangelia is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Mangeliidae.-Species:Species within the genus Benthomangelia include:* Benthomangelia abyssopacifica Sysoev, 1988* Benthomangelia antonia...
Thiele, 1925 - BorsonellaBorsonellaBorsonella is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Borsoniidae.-Species:Species within the genus Borsonella include:* Borsonella abrupta McLean & Poorman, 1971* Borsonella agassizii...
Dall, 1908 - BrachycytharaBrachycytharaBrachycythara is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Mangeliidae.-Species:Species within the genus Brachycythara include:* Brachycythara alba * Brachycythara atlantidea...
Woodring, 1928 - BuccinariaBuccinariaBuccinaria is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Buccinaria include:* Buccinaria abbreviata * Buccinaria jonkeri...
Kittl, 1887 - CenodagreutesCenodagreutesCenodagreutes is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Cenodagreutes include:* Cenodagreutes aethus Smith E. H., 1967* Cenodagreutes coccyginus Smith E. H., 1967...
E.H. Smith, 1967 - Chelyconus (synonym of ConusConusConus is a large genus of small to large predatory sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs, with the common names of cone snails, cone shells or cones. This genus is placed in the subfamily Coninae within the family Conidae. Geologically speaking, the genus is known from the Eocene to the Recent ...
) - ClathromangeliaClathromangeliaClathromangelia is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Clathurellidae, .The species in this genus lack a radula...
Monterosato, 1884 - ClathurellaClathurellaClathurella is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Clathurellidae.-Species:Species within the genus Clathurella include:* Clathurella capaniola * Clathurella clathra Lesson, 1842...
Carpenter, 1857 - Cleobula (synonym of ConusConusConus is a large genus of small to large predatory sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs, with the common names of cone snails, cone shells or cones. This genus is placed in the subfamily Coninae within the family Conidae. Geologically speaking, the genus is known from the Eocene to the Recent ...
) - ClinuraClinuraClinura is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Clinura include:* Clinura hosoi * Clinura vitrea Sysoev, 1997...
Bellardi, 1875 - ClinuropsisClinuropsisClinuropsis is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Clinuropsis include:* Clinuropsis dictyota...
Vincent, 1913 - Columbarium Martens, 1881
- Conasprella (considered a synonym of ConusConusConus is a large genus of small to large predatory sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs, with the common names of cone snails, cone shells or cones. This genus is placed in the subfamily Coninae within the family Conidae. Geologically speaking, the genus is known from the Eocene to the Recent ...
by some authors) - ConopleuraConopleuraConopleura is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Drilliidae. -Species:Species within the genus Conopleura include:* Conopleura aliena Smriglio, Mariottini & Calascibetta, 1999* Conopleura striata Hinds, 1844...
Hinds, 1844 - ConorbisConorbisConorbis is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conorbidae.This genus was formerly classified in the family Conidae by Vredenburg in the clade Neogastropoda by Sepkoski and in the subfamily Conorbiinae by Harzhauser .Conorbis is the type genus of the family Conorbidae...
Swainson,, 1840 - Conospirus Gregorio, 1890
- ConusConusConus is a large genus of small to large predatory sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs, with the common names of cone snails, cone shells or cones. This genus is placed in the subfamily Coninae within the family Conidae. Geologically speaking, the genus is known from the Eocene to the Recent ...
Linnaeus, 1758 - CrockerellaCrockerellaCrockerella is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Clathurellidae.-Species:Species within the genus Crockerella include:* Crockerella castianira * Crockerella constricta...
Hertlein & Strong 1951 - CryoturrisCryoturrisCryoturris is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Mangeliidae.-Species:Species within the genus Cryoturris include:* Cryoturris adamsii Cryoturris is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Mangeliidae.-Species:Species within the genus Cryoturris...
Woodring, 1928 - CryptodaphneCryptodaphneCryptodaphne is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Cryptodaphne include:* Cryptodaphne affinis * Cryptodaphne biconica...
Powell, 1942 - CurtitomaCurtitomaCurtitoma is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Mangeliidae.-Species:Species within the genus Curtitoma include:* Curtitoma bartschi * Curtitoma becklemishevi Bogdanov, 1989...
Bartsch, 1941 - DaphnellaDaphnellaDaphnella is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Daphnella include:* Daphnella alfredensis Bartsch, 1915* Daphnella allemani...
Hinds 1844 - DaphnellopsisDaphnellopsisDaphnellopsis is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Daphnellopsis include:* Daphnellopsis fimbriata * Daphnellopsis hypselos Houart, 1995...
Schepman, 1913 - Darioconus (considered a synonym of ConusConusConus is a large genus of small to large predatory sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs, with the common names of cone snails, cone shells or cones. This genus is placed in the subfamily Coninae within the family Conidae. Geologically speaking, the genus is known from the Eocene to the Recent ...
by some authors) - Dauciconus (considered a synonym of ConusConusConus is a large genus of small to large predatory sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs, with the common names of cone snails, cone shells or cones. This genus is placed in the subfamily Coninae within the family Conidae. Geologically speaking, the genus is known from the Eocene to the Recent ...
by some authors) - Dendroconus (considered a synonym of ConusConusConus is a large genus of small to large predatory sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs, with the common names of cone snails, cone shells or cones. This genus is placed in the subfamily Coninae within the family Conidae. Geologically speaking, the genus is known from the Eocene to the Recent ...
by some authors) - DiaugasmaDiaugasmaDiaugasma is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Diaugasma include:* Diaugasma marchadi...
Melvill, 1917 - DrilliolaDrilliolaDrilliola is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Borsoniidae, the cone snails and their allies.-Species:Species within the genus Drilliola include:* Drilliola emendata...
Locard, 1897 - Endemoconus (considered a synonym of ConusConusConus is a large genus of small to large predatory sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs, with the common names of cone snails, cone shells or cones. This genus is placed in the subfamily Coninae within the family Conidae. Geologically speaking, the genus is known from the Eocene to the Recent ...
by some authors) - EubelaEubelaEubela is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Eubela include:* Eubela aequatorialis Thiele, 1925* Eubela calyx * Eubela distincta Thiele, 1925...
Dall, 1889 - EucyclotomaEucyclotomaEucyclotoma is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Eucyclotoma include:* Eucyclotoma albomacula Kay, 1979* Eucyclotoma bicarinata...
Boettger, 1895 - EuryentmemaEuryentmemaEuryentmema is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Mangeliidae.-Species:Species within the genus Euryentmema include: * Euryentmena australiana Shuto, 1983...
Woodring, 1928 - ExomilusExomilusExomilus is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Exomilus include:* Exomilus anxia * Exomilus cancellata...
Hedley, 1918 - Fehria van Aartsen, 1988
- FusidaphneFusidaphneFusidaphne is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Fusidaphne include:* Fusidaphne bullata Laseron, 1954...
Laseron, 1954 - Gastridium (considered a synonym of ConusConusConus is a large genus of small to large predatory sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs, with the common names of cone snails, cone shells or cones. This genus is placed in the subfamily Coninae within the family Conidae. Geologically speaking, the genus is known from the Eocene to the Recent ...
by some authors) - GlyphostomaGlyphostomaGlyphostoma is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Clathurellidae.-Species:Species within the genus Glyphostoma include:* Glyphostoma aguadillana...
Gabb, 1872 - Glyphostomops Bartsch, 1934
- GlyphoturrisGlyphoturrisGlyphoturris is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Mangeliidae.-Species:Species within the genus Glyphoturris include:* Glyphoturris diminuta * Glyphoturris eritima...
Woodring, 1928 - GlyptaesopusGlyptaesopusGlyptaesopus is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Borsoniidae-Species:Species within the genus Glyptaesopus include:* Glyptaesopus phylira * Glyptaesopus proctorae...
Pilsbry & Olsson 1941 - GranoturrisGranoturrisGranoturris is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Mangeliidae.-Species:Species within the genus Granoturris include:* Granoturris padolina Fargo, 1953* Granoturris presleyi Lyons, 1972...
Fargo, 1953 - GymnobelaGymnobelaGymnobela is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae, the cone snails and their allies.-Species:Species within the genus Gymnobela include:* Gymnobela abyssorum...
Verrill, 1884 - IsodaphneIsodaphneIsodaphne is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Isodaphne include:* Isodaphne albolineata Kilburn, 1977* Isodaphne garrardi Laseron, 1954...
Laseron, 1954 - IthycytharaIthycytharaIthycythara is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Mangeliidae.-Species:Species within the genus Ithycythara include:* Ithycythara acutangulus Ithycythara is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Mangeliidae.-Species:Species within the genus...
Woodring, 1928 - JaspidiconusJaspidiconusJaspidiconus is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae, the cone snails and their allies.-Species:Species within the genus Jaspidiconus include:* Jaspidiconus pfluegeri Petuch, 2004...
Clench, 1942 - KermiaKermiaKermia is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Kermia include: * Kermia aegyptiaca Kilburn & Dekker, 2008* Kermia aglaia...
Oliver, 1915 - KuroshiodaphneKuroshiodaphneKuroshiodaphne is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Kuroshiodaphne include:* Kuroshiodaphne fuscobalteata * Kuroshiodaphne phaeacme Sysoev, 1990...
Shuto, 1965 - KurtziaKurtziaKurtzia is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Mangeliidae.-Species:Species within the genus Kurtzia include:* Kurtzia aethra * Kurtzia arteaga...
Bartsch, 1944 - KurtziellaKurtziellaKurtziella is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Mangeliidae.-Species:Species within the genus Kurtziella include:* Kurtziella acanthodes * Kurtziella accinctus...
Dall, 1918 - Leufroyia Monterosato 1884
- Lithoconus (considered a synonym of ConusConusConus is a large genus of small to large predatory sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs, with the common names of cone snails, cone shells or cones. This genus is placed in the subfamily Coninae within the family Conidae. Geologically speaking, the genus is known from the Eocene to the Recent ...
by some authors) - MangeliaMangeliaMangelia is a large genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Mangeliidae. There are at least 78 described species.-Species:Species within the genus Mangelia include: * Mangelia adansoni...
Risso, 1826 - MicrodaphneMicrodaphneMicrodaphne is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Microdaphne include:* Microdaphne morrisoni Rehder, 1980* Microdaphne trichodes...
McLean, 1971 - MicrogeniaMicrogeniaMicrogenia is the medical term for an unusually small or deformed chin.The contrasting condition, an enlarged chin, is called "macrogenia".-References:...
Laseron, 1954 - MioawateriaMioawateriaMioawateria is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Mioawateria include:* Mioawateria asarotum Sysoev, 1997* Mioawateria bigranulosa...
Vella, 1954 - Mitramorpha Adams, 1865
- Mitrolumna Bucquoy, Dautzenberg & Dollfus 1883
- MitromorphaMitromorphaMitromorpha is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae, the cone snails and their allies.The genus Mitrolumna Bucquoy, Dautzenberg & Dollfus, 1883 is currently treated as a synonym or subgenus of Mitromorpha, but is available for the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean...
Adams, 1865 - NannodiellaNannodiellaNannodiella is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Clathurellidae.-Species:Species within the genus Nannodiella include:* Nannodiella candidula * Nannodiella elatior...
Dall, 1918 - NeopleurotomoidesNeopleurotomoidesNeopleurotomoides is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Neopleurotomoides include:* Neopleurotomoides callembryon...
Shuto, 1971 - NepotillaNepotillaNepotilla is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Nepotilla include:* Nepotilla aculeata * Nepotilla amoena...
Hedley, 1918 - NipponapheraNipponapheraNipponaphera is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Cancellariidae, the nutmeg snails.-Species:Species within the genus Nipponaphera include:* Nipponaphera agastor Bouchet & Petit, 2008...
Habe, 1961 - ObesotomaObesotomaObesotoma is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Mangeliidae.-Species:Species within the genus Obesotoma include:* Obesotoma gigantea * Obesotoma gigas...
Bartsch, 1941 - OenopotaOenopotaOenopota is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Mangeliidae.-Species:Species within the genus Oenopota include:* Oenopota admetoides * Oenopota alba Golikov & Scarlato, 1985...
Mörch, 1852 - OphiodermellaOphiodermellaOphiodermella is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Borsoniidae.-Species:Species within the genus Ophiodermella include:* Ophiodermella akkeshiensis * Ophiodermella cancellata...
Bartsch, 1944 - PagodidaphnePagodidaphnePagodidaphne is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Pagodidaphne include:* Pagodidaphne colmani Shuto, 1983* Pagodidaphne schepmani...
Shuto, 1983 - PerplicariaPerplicariaPerplicaria is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Cancellariidae, the nutmeg snails.-Species:Species within the genus Perplicaria include:* Perplicaria boucheti Verhecken, 1997...
Dall, 1890 - PhymorhynchusPhymorhynchusPhymorhynchus is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Phymorhynchus include:* Phymorhynchus alberti...
Dall, 1908 - PlatycytharaPlatycytharaPlatycythara is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Mangeliidae.-Species:Species within the genus Platycythara include:* Platycythara curta * Platycythara elata...
Woodring, 1928 - PleurotomellaPleurotomellaPleurotomella is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Pleurotomella include:* Pleurotomella aguayoi * Pleurotomella amphiblestrum...
verrill, 1873 - PontiothaumaPontiothaumaPontiothauma is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Pontiothauma include:* Pontiothauma abyssicola Smith E. A., 1895...
E.A. Smith, 1895 - PropebelaPropebelaPropebela is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Mangeliidae.-Species:Species within the genus Propebela include:* Propebela alaskensis * Propebela alitakensis...
Iredale, 1918 - PseudodaphnellaPseudodaphnellaPseudodaphnella is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Pseudodaphnella include:* Pseudodaphnella attenuata Hedley, 1922* Pseudodaphnella crasselirata...
Boettger, 1895 - Puncticulis Swainson, 1840
- PyrgocytharaPyrgocytharaPyrgocythara is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Mangeliidae.-Species:Species within the genus Pyrgocythara include:* Pyrgocythara albovittata Pyrgocythara is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Mangeliidae.-Species:Species within the genus...
Woodring, 1928 - RaphitomaRaphitomaRaphitoma is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Distribution:This genus is distributed in European waters, in the northern part of the Mediterranean Sea, and in the Atlantic Ocean along Cape Verde, West Africa and Angola.-Species:Species within the genus...
Bellardi, 1847 - Rhizoconus (considered a synonym of ConusConusConus is a large genus of small to large predatory sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs, with the common names of cone snails, cone shells or cones. This genus is placed in the subfamily Coninae within the family Conidae. Geologically speaking, the genus is known from the Eocene to the Recent ...
by some authors) - RimosodaphnellaRimosodaphnellaRimosodaphnella is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Rimosodaphnella include:* Rimosodaphnella deroyae McLean & Poorman, 1971* Rimosodaphnella morra...
Cossmann, 1915 - RocroithysRocroithysRocroithys is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Rocroithys include:* Rocroithys nivea Sysoev & Bouchet, 2001* Rocroithys niveus Sysoev & Bouchet, 2001...
Sysoev & Bouchet, 2001 - RubellatomaRubellatomaRubellatoma is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Mangeliidae-Species:Species within the genus Rubellatoma include:* Rubellatoma diomedea Bartsch & Rehder, 1939* Rubellatoma rubella...
Bartsch & Rehder 1939 - Rugobela Finlay, 1924
- ScalptiaScalptiaScalptia is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Cancellariidae, the nutmeg snails.-Species:Species within the genus Scalptia include:* Scalptia aliguayensis Verhecken, 2008...
Jousseaume 1887 - SpergoSpergoSpergo is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Spergo include:* Spergo aithorrhis Sysoev & Bouchet, 2001* Spergo fusiforme...
Dall, 1895 - Stephanoconus (considered a synonym of ConusConusConus is a large genus of small to large predatory sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs, with the common names of cone snails, cone shells or cones. This genus is placed in the subfamily Coninae within the family Conidae. Geologically speaking, the genus is known from the Eocene to the Recent ...
by some authors) - StillaStillaStilla is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Stilla include:* Stilla anomala Powell, 1955* Stilla delicatula Powell, 1927* Stilla fiordlandica Fleming C., 1948...
Finlay, 1926 - SuavodrilliaSuavodrilliaSuavodrillia is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Borsoniidae.-Species:Species within the genus Suavodrillia include:* Suavodrillia declivis * Suavodrillia kennicotti...
Dall, 1918 - TaranidaphneTaranidaphneTaranidaphne is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Taranidaphne include:* Taranidaphne amphitrites...
Morassi & Bonfitto, 2001 - TaranisTaranis (gastropod)Taranis is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae, the cone snails and their allies.-Species:Species within the genus Taranis include: * Taranis allo * Taranis benthicola...
Jeffreys, 1870 - TasmadaphneTasmadaphneTasmadaphne is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Tasmadaphne include:* Tasmadaphne aculeola * Tasmadaphne spicula Laseron, 1954...
Laseron, 1954 - TeleochilusTeleochilusTeleochilus is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Teleochilus include:* Teleochilus royanus Iredale, 1924...
Harris, 1897 - TenaturrisTenaturrisTenaturris is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Mangeliidae.-Species:Species within the genus Tenaturris include:* Tenaturris bartlettii * Tenaturris concinna...
Woodring, 1928 - TeretiaTeretiaTeretia is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Teretia include:* Teretia acus * Teretia anceps * Teretia teres...
Norman, 1888 - TeretiopsisTeretiopsisTeretiopsis is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Teretiopsis include:* Teretiopsis abyssalis Kantor & Sysoev, 1989* Teretiopsis hyalina Sysoev & Bouchet, 2001...
Kantor & Sysoev, 1989 - ThatcheriaThatcheriaThatcheria is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Thatcheria include:* Thatcheria mirabilis Angas, 1877...
Angas, 1877 - ThatcheriasyrinxThatcheriasyrinxThatcheriasyrinx is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Thatcheriasyrinx include:* Thatcheriasyrinx orientis...
Powell, 1969 - ThatcherinaThatcherinaThatcherina is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Thatcherina include:* Thatcherina diazi Gracia & Vera-Peláez, 2004...
Vera-Pelaez, 1998 - ThelecytharaThelecytharaThelecythara is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Horaiclavidae.-Species:Species within the genus Thelecythara include:* Thelecythara borroi Sarasua, 1975* Thelecythara dominguezi Gibson-Smith J...
Woodring, 1928 - ThesbiaThesbiaThesbia is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Thesbia include:* Thesbia algoensis Thiele, 1925* Thesbia nana * Thesbia nanum...
Jeffreys, 1867 - ThetaThetaTheta is the eighth letter of the Greek alphabet, derived from the Phoenician letter Teth...
A.H. Clarke, 1959 - TritonoturrisTritonoturrisTritonoturris is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Tritonoturris include:* Tritonoturris amabilis * Tritonoturris buccinoides Shuto, 1983...
Dall, 1924 - TruncadaphneTruncadaphneTruncadaphne is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Truncadaphne include:* Truncadaphne permiscere...
McLean, 1971 - TuskaroriaTuskaroriaTuskaroria is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Tuskaroria include:* Tuskaroria ultraabyssalis Sysoev, 1988...
Sysoev, 1988 - TyphlodaphneTyphlodaphneTyphlodaphne is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Borsoniidae.-Species:Species within the genus Typhlodaphne include:* Typhlodaphne corpulenta * Typhlodaphne filostriata...
Powell, 1951 - TyphlomangeliaTyphlomangeliaTyphlomangelia is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Borsoniidae, the cone snails and their allies.-Species:Species within the genus Typhlomangelia include:* Typhlomangelia adenica Sysoev, 1996...
Sars G.O., 1878 - VepreculaVepreculaVeprecula is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Veprecula include:* Veprecula arethusa * Veprecula bandensis Sysoev, 1997...
Melvill, 1917 - VepridaphneVepridaphneVepridaphne is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Vepridaphne include:* Vepridaphne cestrum...
Shuto, 1983 - Virgiconus (considered a synonym of ConusConusConus is a large genus of small to large predatory sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs, with the common names of cone snails, cone shells or cones. This genus is placed in the subfamily Coninae within the family Conidae. Geologically speaking, the genus is known from the Eocene to the Recent ...
by some authors) - Virroconus (considered a synonym of ConusConusConus is a large genus of small to large predatory sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs, with the common names of cone snails, cone shells or cones. This genus is placed in the subfamily Coninae within the family Conidae. Geologically speaking, the genus is known from the Eocene to the Recent ...
by some authors) - XanthodaphneXanthodaphneXanthodaphne is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.-Species:Species within the genus Xanthodaphne include:* Xanthodaphne agonia * Xanthodaphne argeta...
Powell, 1942 - ZeneposZeneposZenepos is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae....
Finlay, 1928 - ZierlianaZierlianaZierliana is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Costellariidae.-Species:Species within the genus Zierliana include:* Zierliana anthracina * Zierliana oleacea...
Gray, 1847
Biotechnological uses of cone snail venom
As stated previously, cone snails (and many species in the superfamily ConoideaConoidea
Conoidea is a superfamily of predatory sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks within the suborder Hypsogastropoda. This superfamily is a very large group of marine mollusks, estimated at about 340 recent valid genera and subgenera, and considered by one authority to contain 4,000 named living species...
) immobilize prey by using venom, consisting of a mixture of peptide
Peptide
Peptides are short polymers of amino acid monomers linked by peptide bonds. They are distinguished from proteins on the basis of size, typically containing less than 50 monomer units. The shortest peptides are dipeptides, consisting of two amino acids joined by a single peptide bond...
s, called conopeptides. The venom of these snails is made up of 10 to 30 amino acid
Amino acid
Amino acids are molecules containing an amine group, a carboxylic acid group and a side-chain that varies between different amino acids. The key elements of an amino acid are carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen...
s, but occasionally as many as 60. The venom of each cone snail species may contain as many as 200 pharmacologically active components. It is estimated that more than 50,000 conopeptides can be found because every species of cone snail is thought to produce its own specific venom.
Cone snail venom, in more recent years, has come to interest biotechnologists and pharmacists because of its potential medicinal properties. Production of synthetic conopeptides has started, using solid-phase peptide synthesis.
W-conopeptide, from the species Conus magus
Conus magus
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.Like all species within the genus Conus, these snails are predatory and venomous...
was used in the analgesic
Analgesic
An analgesic is any member of the group of drugs used to relieve pain . The word analgesic derives from Greek an- and algos ....
drug Prialt, an approved treatment for pain said to be 1000 times as powerful as morphine
Morphine
Morphine is a potent opiate analgesic medication and is considered to be the prototypical opioid. It was first isolated in 1804 by Friedrich Sertürner, first distributed by same in 1817, and first commercially sold by Merck in 1827, which at the time was a single small chemists' shop. It was more...
. Conopeptides are also be looked at as anti-epileptic agents and to help stop nerve-cell death after a stroke or head injury. Conopeptides also have possibilities in helping spasms due to spinal cord
Spinal cord
The spinal cord is a long, thin, tubular bundle of nervous tissue and support cells that extends from the brain . The brain and spinal cord together make up the central nervous system...
injuries, and may be helpful in diagnosing and treating small cell carcinoma
Carcinoma
Carcinoma is the medical term for the most common type of cancer occurring in humans. Put simply, a carcinoma is a cancer that begins in a tissue that lines the inner or outer surfaces of the body, and that generally arises from cells originating in the endodermal or ectodermal germ layer during...
s in the lung.
The biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology is a field of applied biology that involves the use of living organisms and bioprocesses in engineering, technology, medicine and other fields requiring bioproducts. Biotechnology also utilizes these products for manufacturing purpose...
surrounding cone snails and their venom has promise for medical breakthroughs; with more than 50,000 conopeptides to study, the possibilities are numerous.
Further reading
- Kohn A. A. (1992). Chronological Taxonomy of Conus, 1758-1840". Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington and London.
- Monteiro A. (ed.) (2007). The Cone Collector 1: 1-28.
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