Conus claudiae: Small to moderately small shell. The profile is conical to broadly conical, with a moderate spire and a subangulated shoulder. Outline of the last whorl convex. Spire most often eroded, concave with flat or slightly convex sutural ramps presenting fine striae. The ground color of the shell varies from pale yellow-green to light bluish grey. There is a reticulated pattern of white flecks and dark brown dots forming bands which are variable in number and width, usually three: a thin one on the shoulder, another at the height of the maximum diameter of the shell, and another broader one slightly below the midbody. The base is dark, often covered by reticulated pattern of white flecks and dark brown dots forming bands which are variable in number and width, usually three: a thin one on the shoulder, another at the height of the maximum diameter of the shell, and another broader one slightly below the midbody. The base is dark, often covered by reticulated pattern. In some cases, only white dots and flecks are present, with no traces of dark brown dots. The aperture is purplish brown, with two white bands, one in the middle portion and another one in the upper part. The inner lip is white, showing traces of the yellow near the edge.
Morphometric parameters: L = 16-26 mm; average L = 20.6 mm: RD = 0.64 - 0.79; RSH = 0.15 - 0.21; PMD = 0.84 - 0.88.

Conus claudiae: This species has not been previously illustrated, as far as we are aware. The pale greenish color of C claudiae n. sp. and its pattern distinguishes it at once from any other similar species living in Maio Island. The radular tooth of C. claudiae is very similar to that of Conus damottai galeao Rolan, 1990. In fact, the radular morphometric parameters of both species overlap to a great extent. However, the barb is not so well marked in C. claudiae, the denticles are less and coarser, and the cusp much more prominent in C. claudiae than in C. damottai galeao. Besides, these two species live sympatrically. The differences in shell color and pattern are constant, and no intermediates have been found. The radular tooth of C. calhetae Rolan, 1990 is also similar to that of C. claudiae, but the former has less teeth present in the radular sac, and the LC/DR is different. The radular teeth of C. calhetae show a well-marked waist, and in general are not as broad as those of C. claudiae. The appearance of the shells of the two species is also quite different. C diminutus Trovao & Rolan, 1986 (PL 2, Fig. 7) from Boavista Island has also a dark base, but its size is normally much smaller and the pattern quite different. The radular tooth of C. diminutus is also broad in appearance, but at variance with C claudiae, it has a well-marked waist and barb, a small base, and usually only one row of denticles in the serration.

Conus claudiae: Type location: Praia Real, North coast of Maio Island, Cape Verde Is.
DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT
Praia Real and Baia de Navio Quebrado, North of Maio Island, Cape Verde Is. Usually found at 1 -2m depth attached to the bottom of rocks and dead coral slabs on sandy bottom. Occasionally in crevices of rocky platforms, with algae and sand cover.