Cone Snail (hazardous marine life) - Video and Info

[DevonDiver]

Cone Snail - Hazardous Marine Life

Full info here: Cone Snail - Underwater Video - Scuba Diving Philippines - Scuba Tech Philippines

 

[smellzlikefish]

I am one semester away from finishing my Master's dissertation on these potential marine hazards, but instead of playing Mr. Know-it-all, I'd rather subscribe to the thread and watch the conversation unfold. Thanks for sharing.

 

[DennisS]

I heard a bar story about a snorkeling tourist that put one in a bathing suit pocket-OUCH!!

Here's another story about a sailor that put one in his shirt pocket

Cone Shells -- Beautiful Beachside Danger

 

[vladimir]

Here is a great reference for those interested:

Dangerous Marine Creatures by Dr. Carl Edmonds.

It makes for good reading just out of morbid curiosity, even if all your diving is in quarries. And it has case studies geared to clinicians as well.

 

[Plane Trouble]

SmellzLikeFish, what subject is your masters in? Ecology? Animal Behavior? Or are you studying the Conotoxin it's self?

Best,
John

 

[smellzlikefish]

I'm looking into the variable nature of conotoxin production. Cone snails each produce a unique cocktail of different peptides to subdue their prey. Generally, different species have a different armament of peptides at their disposal. However, different individuals within a species will produce different peptides at varying amounts as a sort of unique venom profile and even individuals' venom will "react" to certain stressors. It is this reaction response that I am studying.