Fish-Hunting Cone Snails that Use Insulin for Prey Capture (2 of 2) (IMAGE)

University of Utah

Fish-Hunting Cone Snails that Use Insulin for Prey Capture (2 of 2)

Caption

The images show two species of cone snail, Conus geographus (left) and Conus tulipa (right) attempting to capture their fish prey. As they approach potential prey, the snails release a specialized insulin into the water, along with neurotoxins that inhibit sensory circuits, resulting in hypoglycemic, sensory-deprived fish that are easier to engulf with their large, distensible false mouths. Once engulfed, powerful paralytic toxins are injected by the snail into each fish.

Credit

Jason Biggs and Baldomero Olivera

Usage Restrictions

With credit to Jason Biggs and Baldomero Olivera at the University of Utah.

License

Licensed content

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