# Conus borgesi

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***Conus borgesi*** is a species of [sea snail](/source/Sea_snail), a marine [gastropod](/source/Gastropod) [mollusk](/source/Mollusk) in the family [Conidae](/source/Conidae), the [cone snails](/source/Conus) and their allies.[1]

Like all species within the genus *Conus*, these snails are [predatory](/source/Predatory) and [venomous](/source/Venomous). They are capable of [stinging](/source/Stinging) humans, therefore live ones should be handled carefully or not at all.

## Description

The size of the shell varies between 19 mm and 35 mm. Conus borgesi has a long, tubular shell with a pointed vertex. The color of the shell is typically [white](/source/White) or [cream](/source/Cream), with intricate patterns of [brown](/source/Brown), [black](/source/Black) and [yellow](/source/Yellow). The snail uses its shell as protection and as a tool for [burrowing](/source/Burrowing) in the sand.

Conus borgesi is a skilled predator that uses its venomous [harpoon](/source/Harpoon)-like tooth to capture its [prey](/source/Prey). The tooth is housed in a specialized structure called a [proboscis](/source/Proboscis), which the snail can extend out of its mouth to strike its target. Once the prey is [paralyzed](/source/Paralysis), the snail will engulf it using its large, muscular foot and slowly consume it.

Like all cone snails, Conus borgesi has a complex [venom](/source/Venom) delivery system that allows it to inject its [toxins](/source/Toxin) into its prey or potential predators. The venom of this species contains a variety of different toxins, including [peptides](/source/Peptide) and small [molecules](/source/Molecule), that can target different [receptors](/source/Receptor_(biochemistry)) and pathways in the body.

While cone snail venom can be deadly, it has also been used for centuries by [indigenous peoples](/source/Indigenous_peoples) for medicinal purposes. In recent years, [scientists](/source/Scientist) have been studying [cone snail](/source/Cone_snail) venom as a potential source of new drugs and therapies, particularly for pain management and [neurological disorders](/source/Neurological_disorder).

## Distribution

This species occurs in the Atlantic Ocean off the island of [Boa Vista](/source/Boa_Vista,_Cape_Verde), [Cape Verde](/source/Cape_Verde).[2]

## References

1. Tenorio, M.J. (2012). "*Conus borgesi*". Vol. 2012. [doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T192500A2104554.en](https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T192500A2104554.en). Retrieved 20 November 2021.

- Tucker J.K. & Tenorio M.J. (2009) *Systematic classification of Recent and fossil conoidean gastropods.* Hackenheim: Conchbooks. 296 pp
- Cossignani & Fiadeiro, Malacologia Mostra Mondiale vol. 86 p. 18; 2015
- [Puillandre N., Duda T.F., Meyer C., Olivera B.M. & Bouchet P. (2015). *One, four or 100 genera? A new classification of the cone snails*. Journal of Molluscan Studies. 81: 1–23](https://dx.doi.org/10.1093/mollus/eyu055)

## External links

- [The *Conus* Biodiversity website](http://biology.burke.washington.edu/conus/catalogue/index.php)
- [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi?id=289022&lvl=0](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi?id=289022&lvl=0)
- [http://www.coneshells-am.ru/](http://www.coneshells-am.ru/) Cone Shells – Knights of the Sea

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Conus borgesi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conus_borgesi) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conus_borgesi?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.