If the conus is just dead, the only care is not touching the tooth sac to
avoid a possible, even if improbable, wound. But I think the hazard is only
with the very venomous cones as geographus, tulipa, striatus, textile….
when they are alive. The cones can throw the harpoon but in a short
distance. The problem happens handling a cone with the naked hands because
the animal can turn the proboscis and hit you. I collected some Conus
ventricosus about 4-5 cm by naked hands and I had not problems.

Ciao

Giancarlo


-----Messaggio originale-----
Da: Conchologists of America List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Per
conto di David Herman
Inviato: mercoledì 24 marzo 2004 20.33
A: [log in to unmask]
Oggetto: venomous coneshells

I recently posted questions regarding venomous coneshells.  I got an
excellent reply from  Giancarlo Paganelli [log in to unmask]  for
answering many questions regarding venomous coneshells.  His excellent
website is highly recommended.  I still have two unanswered questions.  What
are the precautions one must take when cleaning recently killed cones?  (Is
the venom still potent?) While in the sea, can the coneshells harpoon be
shot out of its body?  This might be a silly question, but I would still
like to know.

Thank you.

David

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