The people of Penghu, Taiwan, affectionately refer to the vast ocean as their "mother" and consider it their refrigerator. Beyond their respect and reverence for the sea, the extensive intertidal zone plays a crucial role in nurturing the resources essential for the livelihood of Penghu residents.
Recently, a local resident found a rare shell while exploring the intertidal zone. The discovery was shared on a popular Penghu online forum, seeking identification from experts. After thorough verification by a senior shell collector from Penghu and researchers from the Penghu Fisheries Biology Research Center, the specimen was confirmed to be Conus pennaceus, commonly known as the Feathered Cone.
Noted Penghu shell enthusiast Zhao Peixin explained that a friend had found a cone snail in the intertidal zone and posted it online, sparking lively discussion. After consulting Taiwanese shell dealers and veteran collectors, it was confirmed as the feathered Cone. This species is considered uncommon in Penghu. Some Taiwanese shell researchers are conducting studies on its soft tissues. However, for research purposes, it is advised that rare snails be preserved alive and frozen to maintain specimen integrity.
The finder was concerned about the snail's venomous sting, as it possesses neurotoxins similar to those of the stonefish. The snail can be safely consumed after thorough boiling. Accordingly, the individual boiled the snail before freezing it. A senior Taiwanese shell expert initially offered to purchase it for 500 NTD but declined after the boiling process damaged the snail's tissue, making detailed research impossible. Zhao Peixin recommends keeping the cone snail alive to allow it to continue reproducing.
Scientific Description of the Feathered Cone (Conus pennaceus)
According to scientific literature, cone snails of the family Conidae have shells that are conical or biconical in shape, sturdy, with a low spire and a large body whorl occupying more than half the shell length. The shell aperture is narrow and elongated. The shell surface features growth lines, spiral ridges, grooves, granules, and nodules on the shoulder, adorned with various color patterns such as dots, cloud-like spots, and axial lines.
The periostracum (shell skin) varies in thickness and may be hairy in some specimens. The operculum is horny, crescent-shaped, and much smaller than the shell opening, with its nucleus positioned below. The radula (toothed tongue) has marginal teeth with barbs at the tip.
These snails are nocturnal predators, feeding on fish, mollusks, or small worms, and inhabit tropical shallow seas. Like all cone snails, Conus pennaceus is venomous, using a harpoon-like radula tooth to inject neurotoxins that paralyze prey.
