Stingrays Australia - Dangers and first aid - Great Barrier Reef

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KNOW THE ANIMALS

Cone Shells
Species - 80 Species in Australia 

Description 

They have either a very thin or thick colourful cone shaped shell of varying stripes or speckled appearance.  These shells can be very attractive and because of this, may be picked up by the unwary, especially children.

Cone Shells or Cone snails as they are sometimes called have teeth like small harpoons and can penetrate clothing.

 



Cone Shells

Habitat

Cone snails are predatory gastropods that  inhabit mostly mud, sand flats shallow reef waters where the low and the high tides alternate

Diet

Marine organisms, worms and other molluscs.

Venom

The venom consists of numerous neurotoxic peptides and can result in the death of  humans. The venom acts pre- and post-synaptically to give rise to neurological symptoms  such as  weakness,  lack of co-ordination and disturbed vision,  hearing and speech . Severe envenomation may result in death secondary to respiratory muscle paralysis. Less common systemic symptoms include nausea and generalized pruritis. Local symptoms of pain, swelling and numbness are common.

First Aid  Pressure immobilisation first aid should be applied and left in place until resuscitation facilities are available. This is a medical emergency. Assisted ventilation may be needed. 

Tetanus prophylaxis should be updated if required.
There is at present no antivenom for cone shell stings. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Cairns Holiday website offers you ideal Cairns accommodation in which to explore any one of these Great Barrier Reef wonders. With some of the best Cairns restaurants & bars in the region and close to your accommodation.

Make your Cairns accommodation reservations online. If you would like to enquire about how far any of these events or tours are from you accommodation, simply use the online enquiry forms provided for each listed accommodation in Cairns on this website. For your next Cairns holiday ask about the special accommodation packages and event of  the season.