Conus gloriamaris

The Glory of the Sea Cone, Conus gloriamaris, is a marine gastropod mollusk belonging to the family Conidae. This sea snail lives in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Its shell typically grows between 8 and 12 centimeters long, though it can reach 16 centimeters. Compared to other cone snails, it is relatively large and slender, with a tall spire.

The shell is covered in fine, orange-brown lines that form a net-like pattern, enclosing triangular spaces similar to those seen on other textile cones. Across the body are two or three bands of chestnut markings that resemble hieroglyphs. Its tan color can range from a light, golden hue to a deep dark brown, with very fine detailing. It is sometimes mistaken for the common Textile cone and also resembles the Bengal cone.

Collector value

For shell collectors, this species holds special significance because it was once considered the rarest shell in the world. For roughly two centuries, from its first discovery until its habitat was found in 1969, individual specimens were worth thousands of U.S. dollars and were generally owned only by museums and wealthy private collectors.

The shell’s popularity also inspired urban legends, most notably a story about a collector who bought one at auction in 1792 and then destroyed it to preserve the value of another specimen he already owned. With improvements in diving technology, especially the use of scuba gear, larger numbers were discovered. Today, shells are often available from retailers or online auction sites for less than $100 U.S. Even so, the shell’s history, along with its pleasing shape and patterns, keeps it popular and desirable among collectors.

Distribution

This cone snail is one of many Indo-Pacific species. It is found mainly off the Solomon Islands, but its range extends from the Philippines and eastern Indonesia through New Guinea and as far east as Samoa and Fiji.