A report on Conidae (Gastropoda) from the Karnataka coast – distribution and shell morphometry

Conidae are a diverse group of predatory marine gastropods known for their highly potent venom, which may hold potential for biomedical applications. This study presents findings from a survey of Conidae species inhabiting the coastal shorelines of Karnataka. Shell measurements and morphometric analyses were conducted on four species: Conus biliosus, C. inscriptus, C. milneedwardsi, and Conasprella dictator. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of C. biliosus was performed using the partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequence.