ABSTRACT
Conus snails are some of the most successful predators in marine communities. Four Conus species have been reported to produce very severe envenomations in humans: Conus geographus, Conus textile, Conus omaria, and Conus marmoreus. On account of the varied colors and patterns on their beautiful shells, the Conus species are a favorite among collectors, and the rarer ones like Conus gloriamaris and Conus cedonulli have commanded high prices. Conus magus produced numbness and swelling of the stung extremity whereas the tiny Conus obscurus produced redness, soreness and swelling. The severity of envenomation produced by a particular Conus species is influenced by a number of factors such as potency of its venom, size of the animal, size of its venom duct and size of the radula. In devising a first aid treatment for Conus envenomation, the primary consideration should be the prevention of toxin transport from the injection site, particularly since conotoxins act very rapidly.
