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Chapter 29 — 8
VENOMOUS CONE
SHELLS
A small number of species of the cone shell family are capable of delivering a lethal venom.
This is injected by a tiny dart shot from a tubular appendage which the animal can direct to
any part of its shell. This apparatus is normally used by the animal to kill its prey (usually
small fish), but it will use it as a weapon against a human who is careless enough to handle it.
Expert knowledge is required to differentiate venomous from harmless cone shells, and divers
are advised to avoid handling them at all. Reef walkers, being less valuable than divers, may
do as they wish.
Clinical Features
The initial sting may or may not be painful. It can penetrate cloth and skin. They should not
be handled or put in pockets. The toxin affects the heart, skeletal and respiratory muscles.
Muscle spasms develop. Death is usually from respiratory arrest.
Fig. 29.7
A collection of venomous cone shells
Treatment
The prompt application of a
pressure bandage and immobilisation
(see later) should delay
the spread of venom from the wound, although there have been no clinical case reports to
verify this.