Snail – Cone Marmoreus

Marmoreus Cone Snail Care Tips:

Minimum Tank Size: 50 Gallons

Maximum Size: Up to 23cm(9″)

Diet: Molluscs, Snails

Temperament: Aggressive

Lifespan: Up to 20 years

Scientific Name: Conus Marmoreus

Other Common Names: Banded Cone Snail

Coral Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: No

Cone Marmoreus are large venomous predatory snails. Their scientific name is Conus Marmoreus but are often referred to as the banded or marbled cone snail. Banded cone snails come from the Conidae family. They have a maximum size of 9”and they can live up to 20 years. Their minimum tank size 10 gallons. These snails are strictly molluscivorous and prefer to eat snails. This diet makes them considered aggressive but to coral and invertebrates (apart from molluscs) they are safe. These snails are nocturnal and prefer to bury in the sand.

Banded cone snails have a large syphon nose, underneath that is a harpoon. This harpoon carries a lethal venom. These animals should be handled with nets or with extreme caution. Banded cone snails are extremely skiddish and will rarely show this harpoon unless hunting, but caution should still be taken. Extra caution can be taken by identifying the location of the snails before putting your hand in the tank, snails can be picked up by their shell from the opposite end of their syphon/harpoon. Tools such as aquarium tweezers or spatulas can be used to help locate them in the sand if needed.