They are capable of stinging humans, therefore alive ones should be handled carefully or not at all.

[3] The species is found across the entire Indo-Pacific from Natal to Hawaii and French Polynesia and Japan to Australia (Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia).

The subspecies Conus vexillium sumatrensis is restricted to the northwest Indian Ocean.

Juveniles of this species are present on intertidal benches whereas adults will occur along subtidal reefs to about 30 metres (98 ft).

Individuals that are present around the Hawaiian Islands occur between 50–70 m (160–230 ft).