Common name: Princely Cone

General information

The Prince Cone, Conus aulicus, is a species of predatory sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Conidae, the cone snails. These snails are known for their beautifully patterned shells and potent venom. They are nocturnal hunters, using a specialized radular tooth to inject venom into their prey, which consists mainly of marine worms, small fish, and other mollusks.

Care

In the aquarium, Conus aulicus requires a sand substrate for burrowing and a stable environment with well-maintained water quality. They should be kept singly due to their predatory nature and potential to harm other tank inhabitants. It's crucial to provide a secure lid, as cone snails can be escape artists. Feeding can be challenging, as they prefer live prey.

Reproduction

Reproduction in cone snails involves laying eggs in capsules, which are often attached to the substrate or hidden within the aquarium. The larvae, known as veligers, are planktonic before settling and metamorphosing into juvenile snails. Breeding Conus aulicus in captivity is not commonly done due to the complexity of raising the larvae.

Habitat

Conus aulicus is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the eastern coast of Africa to Hawaii and French Polynesia. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky substrates, often hiding during the day and emerging at night to hunt. In the wild, they can be found at various depths, typically from shallow waters to about 30 meters deep.