Poisonous snails

1993/09/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Biologia

Cones are marine carnivorous snails that feed on small fish, worms and other molluscs. Its appearance and color are very poisonous. The cone name comes from the appearance of the shell and inhabits tropical and subtropical seas.

In the Mediterranean, for example, inhabits a small species, the Mediterranean Conus, which is not poisonous.

The venom of these animals is formed by pneurotoxic peptides and has a similar effect to curare. The catches are detected by vibration and poison is injected with the punch, leaving the catches completely paralyzed. Next, the tube is absorbed.

Their influence on humans depends on species. At the time of puncture the pain is small, but soon after you feel weakness and slowness of vital functions. Finally, death is stopped by the heart and lungs.

So far no antidotes have been found and among the species of cones is dangerous the so-called geographical cone, whose poison is five times more effective than that of copper.