Purple Cone Shell, Conus purpurascens

Purple Cone Shell, Conus purpurascens. Shell collected off the beach in the greater Los Cabos area, Baja California Sur, January 2015. Size: 3.9 cm (1.5 inches) x 2.3 cm (0.9 inches).

Purple Cone Shell, Conus purpurascens. Shell collected off the beach at Punta Chivato, Baja California Sur, April 2022. Size: 4.5 cm (1.8 inches) x 2.8 cm (1.1 inches). Collection, photograph and Identification courtesy of Colin Campbell, DVM, Punta Chivato, Baja California Sur.

Phylogeny: The Purple Cone Shell, Conus purpurascens (G. B. Sowerby I, 1833), is a gastropod mollusk that is a member of the Conidae Family of Cones. The genus Conus is one of eight genera in this family, and there are eight hundred ten species in this genus.  They are known in Mexico as Cono Morado.

Description: Purple Cone Shells are wider than most cone shells in the region and have a moderately elevated, blunt spire. Individuals can vary widely in color pattern within the species. The exterior of the shell is light to dark purple, with spiral bands, dashed lines, or blotches that are purplish brown, dark brown, tan, or violet. Some individuals are almost unicolor. The aperture is light gray or bluish, with purple tinge along the lip edge. The periostracum is thick and rough or bristly. Purple Cones reach a maximum of 8.0 cm (3.1 inches) in length and 5.0 cm (2.0 inches) in height.

Habitat and Distribution: Purple Cone Shells are found in tide pools, on rocks, under ledges, and in sandy substrates. They live in the intertidal zone, and at depths up to 15 m (50 feet). They are a subtropical to tropical Eastern Pacific species. In Mexican waters they range from Magdalena Bay, Baja California Sur to Guatemala, including the Revillagigedo Islands. They are found throughout the Gulf of California.

Ecology and Behavior: Purple Cone Shells are predators that feed primarily on fish. They are gonochoric and reproduce sexually, with internal fertilization. The eggs are laid in protective capsules. There is no mention in the available literature of them engaging in any types of parasitic, commensal, or symbiotic relationships. From a conservation perspective the IUCN Red List considers Purple Cone Shells to be of Least Concern. Purple Cone Shells are venomous and capable of stinging humans. If they must be handled, they should be handled with great care.

Synonyms: Chelyconus purpurascens, Conus (Chelyconus) purpurascens, Conus comptus, Conus luzonicus, Conus purpurascens var. rejectus, and Conus regalitatis.