Conus anabathrum
These snails are predatory and attack their prey with a hollow harpoon-shaped tooth filled with venom. Cone venom is made up of complex conotoxins that interfere with nerve impulses to the muscles, immobilizing or killing the victim.
These gastropods can adjust the chemistry of their venom for different uses such as defense. Many drugs have been developed using the venom for treatment of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, depression, and epilepsy.
Cone snails in Florida are not as deadly as are some species found in the South Seas. They live in deep water, so live specimens are rarely found on the beach.
The Alphabet Cone has letter-like markings on the cone shaped shell. The Florida Cone markings are not as bright and its spire is higher.
Live shells should never be taken from any Florida State Park.