A new bioassay reveals mollusc-specific toxicity in molluscivorous Conus venoms

Contraction of the foot pedal of a limpet snail is described as a new and quantifiable bioassay for mollusc paralysis. This bioassay was used for screening the venoms of seven different species of Conus snails. Comparison of the results of the limpet assay with those obtained from fish and blowflies shows a correlation between the feeding specificities and venom toxicities of these Conidae. The limpet bioassay should be useful for identification and monitoring of the purification of new toxins active on molluscan systems.