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Dusky Cone

Conasprella stearnsii

Markings and exact colorations may vary.

A small, slender cone with rows of brown dots and grey clouding.

Typical size
0.5–0.75 in
How often it turns up
Uncommon
Collecting
Restricted

Empty shells are fine to keep on most public beaches. Live shelling is banned in Lee County and Florida state parks and needs a fishing license elsewhere — if an animal is inside, put it back.

Handling
Possibly venomous

Never hold a live cone in your hand. Empty shells are harmless.

How to tell it apart

  • Slender cone with a tall, stepped spire
  • Spiral rows of tiny brown dots
  • Grey or dusky clouding over white

Where to find these in Florida

Beaches rated very good or excellent for shells. Each page shows today’s score, the best window and access details.

Found one?

Photograph it and BeachNut ranks the likely matches with a confidence read, then logs it to your collection with the beach and date.

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Commonly confused with

  • Peale's ConeConasprella pealii

    Dusky cone is slimmer with a tall spire and dotted rows; Peale's is glossier with orange blotches and a low spire.

  • Jasper ConeConasprella jaspidea

    Dusky cone has rows of brown dots and a taller spire; jasper cone is mottled grey-brown with spiral grooves.

More shells in the field guide

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