The combinations of peptides that comprise venom vary between species, and it has been estimated that each cone snail harbors over 100,000 different bioactive compounds within its venom. EtiologyĬonus venom is a complex mixture of compounds that cause paralysis through multiple neuromuscular blocking steps. Once a harpoon is engaged, it is discarded. At any time, a cone snail has about twenty harpoons in various stages of growth and development. The second method of hunting also involves a venom-covered harpoon, but instead, the snail opens its mouth to catch fish and the harpoon is released within the mouth. Only a certain part of the cone does not protect from envenomation. This proboscis can extend to all parts of the shell and handling. Within the proboscis is a tooth or harpoon, coated with species-specific venom. The species that utilize the hook-and-line method use an additional appendage called a proboscis. Within piscivorous snails, two primary methods of hunting have been documented: hook and line versus net hunting. Unsurprisingly, envenomation occurs most often on the palms and fingers. Humans are not typical cone snail prey and envenomation is most likely to occur during handling. The geographic cone is the most toxic of the known species, and several human deaths have resulted from envenomation. Knowing these specific feeding patterns make differentiation of deadly Conus species easier though all cone snails are capable of envenomation. Some feed on worms (vermivores), others on mollusks (molluscivores), and those most toxic to humans feed on fish (piscivores). There is variability in the prey each Conus species tends to hunt. While some species do have eyestalks, the siphon provides a more sensitive method of locating prey, as well as performing additional respiratory functions. These snails sense prey within their environment using an appendage called a siphon. Cone snails range in size from a few centimeters up to 29 cm long. All members of the genus appear similar, but many different Conus species fall under this umbrella, some of which pose a greater threat to humans than others. As the snail continues to grow, it builds upon its patterned shell. The spiral shells of the snail are the life-long habitat for the indwelling predator. The Conus genus, within the Conidae family, is a group of predatory gastropod mollusks. The venom from one cone snail has a hypothesized potential of killing up to 700 people.
The handful of humans that are stung by a cone snail is often subject to a venom potent enough to immediately paralyze and eventually kill its prey.
While humans are not the intended prey for these mollusks, naive divers may inadvertently pick up cones with the intention of keeping them as souvenirs. One example is the Conus genus, which includes over 500 different species of predatory snails. Outline interprofessional team strategies to improve care coordination and communication to provide quality care to victims of cone shell envenomation.īoth experienced and novice scuba divers are drawn to warm, tropical seas, but when traveling to these areas, divers must practice additional cautionary measures to avoid predators specific to these environments.Summarize management considerations for treatment of victims of a cone shell envenomation.Review the history and physical findings of cone shell envenomation toxicity.Identify the etiology of cone shell envenomation.This activity reviews the evaluation and management of cone shell envenomation and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in managing care for afflicted patients. Cone snail venom is so potent that it can immediately paralyze and eventually kill prey. While humans are not the intended prey for these mollusks, naive divers may inadvertently pick up the cone snails. For example, these individuals must recognize the danger of the conus genus, which includes over 500 different species of predatory snails. Both experienced and novice scuba divers are drawn to warm, tropical seas, but when traveling to these areas, divers must take additional precautionary measures to avoid predators specific to these environments.
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