Common name: Princely Cone
General Information
The Princely Cone (Conus aulicus) is a strikingly beautiful marine gastropod mollusk belonging to the family Conidae. Known for its elongated, conical shell adorned with intricate patterns of white spots on a dark brown to black background, this species is a true marvel of nature. Its name "Princely" aptly reflects its regal appearance, making it a sought-after specimen for collectors and marine enthusiasts.
Native to the Indo-Pacific region, Conus aulicus is found in sandy and coral reef environments, often buried under the substrate during the day and emerging at night to hunt. While its stunning shell makes it an attractive addition to marine collections, aquarists must exercise caution due to its potent venom, which it uses to immobilize prey.
Details
- Estimated price
- Moderate Prices vary based on size and shell quality
- Recommended minimum volume
- 100 liter (26 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.023 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8 to 8.5
- Average size
- 15 cm (6″)
- Care level
- Difficult Not suitable for beginners due to venomous nature
- Diet
- Carnivore Feeds on marine worms and small fish using venomous harpoon
- Reefsafe
- No Preys on small fish and invertebrates
- Aggression
- Aggresive Aggressive predator; uses venom to hunt prey
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumMollusksMollusca
- ClassGastropodsGastropoda
- OrderNeogastropodsNeogastropoda
- FamilyCone SnailsConidae
- GenusCone SnailsConus
- SpeciesPrincely ConeConus aulicus Linnaeus, 1758
- SynonymsConus aulicus aurantia Dautzenberg, 1937Conus aulicus propenudus Melvill, 1900Conus auratus Hwass, 1792Conus particolor Perry, 1810Cucullus aurifer Röding, 1798Darioconus aulicus (Linnaeus, 1758)
- Source: GBIF | Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Care
Keeping a Princely Cone in a home aquarium is not recommended for most hobbyists due to its venomous nature and specific care requirements. However, for those experienced in marine gastropod care, a species-specific tank with a deep sandy substrate and stable water parameters is essential. These snails are nocturnal and require a dimly lit or shaded environment to mimic their natural habitat.
Diet and Feeding
Princely Cone snails are carnivorous predators that feed on marine worms and small fish in the wild. In captivity, they may accept live or frozen prey such as brine shrimp or small feeder fish. Feeding should be done with extreme caution, using tools like feeding tongs to avoid accidental envenomation.
Behavior and Compatibility
The Princely Cone is a solitary and highly specialized predator. It is not compatible with other tank inhabitants, as it may view them as prey. Its venomous harpoon-like radula is capable of delivering a sting that can be harmful to humans and potentially fatal to other tank mates. For this reason, it is best kept alone in a dedicated tank.
Reproduction
Little is known about the reproduction of Conus aulicus in captivity. In the wild, females lay egg capsules that hatch into free-swimming larvae. Breeding this species in an aquarium setting is extremely challenging and has not been widely documented.
Health and Common Issues
Princely Cone snails are hardy when kept in optimal conditions, but they are sensitive to poor water quality and sudden changes in parameters. Maintaining stable salinity, temperature, and pH levels is crucial for their well-being. Due to their venomous nature, handling should be avoided entirely, and care should be taken during tank maintenance.
Habitat
Princely Cone snails are native to the Indo-Pacific region, including areas such as the Red Sea, Madagascar, the Philippines, Indonesia, and the Great Barrier Reef. They inhabit sandy substrates and coral reef environments, often burying themselves during the day to avoid predators and emerging at night to hunt. Replicating these conditions in captivity is essential for their survival.