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Project Noah Nature School
Conus striatus
This mollusk has a large, slim shell that can grow up to 12cm long, with rounded shoulders, a pointed spire with deep sutures, and an outer lip with a pronounced posterior flare. Common coloration of this species is cream with brownish-purple blotches. The animal hunts and eats fish, and is often observed at crevices and caves, preying on sleeping fish. It is venomous and can sting humans.
Habitat: sand bottom, around shallow reefs. Distribution: Indo-Pacific.
This was a live one, which I spotted towards the last leg of a night dive at Dayang Beach. It was in shallow water, very close to shore (about 3m depth). I tried waiting for it to emerge from its shell, but I was already low on air and the surge was making me dizzy. You can see part of the mollusk's mantle in the 2nd photo.
Spotted on Jul 26, 2012
Submitted on Aug 1, 2012
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