Fish-Hunting Cone Snails that Use Insulin for Prey Capture (1 of 2) (IMAGE)
Caption
Images of the cone snail Conus geographus attempting to capture fish prey. As the snails approach potential prey, they 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 the Jason Biggs and Baldomero Olivera at the University of Utah.
License
Licensed content