In Okinawa, Japan, a woman unknowingly picked up a marbled cone snail, one of the ocean's deadliest creatures. She initially admired the shell's beautiful pattern, not realizing it was alive. The snail can inject a potent venom that causes full paralysis or even death. Commonly referred to as the 'cigarette snail', the species is infamous for the narrow window of time it gives victims before they collapse. This incident raises awareness that not all attractive shells are safe, as many can harbor dangerous wildlife.
I was out tidepooling in Okinawa, Japan, and I came across this shell. As you can see, it's one of my favourite shells to collect because the pattern is so stunning.
I was playing with the most venomous creature in the ocean that can lead to full paralysis or fatality. The species is allegedly nicknamed the 'cigarette snail', because you have just enough time after it stings you to light a cigarette before you pass.
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