Hi James,
 
Depending on which cones you are collecting will
depend on which kind of gear you will use.  I assume
the cones will be living when you collect them.  I work
in a Marine Science Dept. and have handled Conus Californicus many times
with my bare hands.  They have
stung me a few times but it's like a flea bite, doesn't hurt.  On the other
hand, if you are around Conus Textile, Conus Geographus or the other
Dangerous Species I would recommend the use of Very heavy rubber gloves
(not Latex).  And when storing the Cones put them in a thick plastic bucket
with a top. Don't and I can't stress this enough put a Cone in your pocket
to hold them because you could get shot.
 
I have heard from others that the best way to catch a cone snail is with
the small basket nets (used in aquariums to scoop up small fish).  Keep in
mind also that the Cones can shoot the darts out I believe a little over
twice the length of their body.
 
Good luck and happy hunting,
 
--Tim
 
 
 
 
At 01:33 PM 1/20/1999 -0600, you wrote:
>Dear all, I have a question.
>Not that i'm going to be doing this any time soon,
>I just want to know. What is the method collectors use
>to collect dangerous cones? Is there a special tool for collecting
>them?
>
>Let me know,
>Kind Regards James
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