Conus of the SE US and Caribbean

Alan J Kohn

Conus is the largest genus of animals in the sea, occurring throughout the world's tropical and subtropical oceans and contributing significantly to marine biodiversity. The shells of these marine molluscs are prized for their amazing variety and extraordinary beauty. The neurotoxic venoms they produce injected by a hollow, harpoon-like tooth into prey animals that are then paralysed and swallowed whole have a range of pharmaceutical applications, from painkillers to antidepressants. This beautifully illustrated book identifies 53 valid species of the south-eastern United States and the Caribbean, a region that supports a diverse but taxonomically challenging group of Conus. Introductory chapters cover the evolution and phylogeny of the genus, and notes on methodology are provided. Detailed species accounts describe key identification features, taxonomy, distribution, ecology, toxicology, life history, and evolutionary relationships. "Conus" of the South-eastern United States and Caribbean includes more than 2,100 photos of shells on 109 splendid colour plates; more than 100 additional photos, many depicting live animals in colour; and 35 colour distribution maps. 480 pages.

Softback £100.00 £89.00