Scaly-foot gastropod — printable fact sheet
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Scaly-foot gastropod
Chrysomallon squamiferum
The Scaly-foot gastropod is a remarkable deep-sea snail found exclusively at hydrothermal vent fields in the Indian Ocean. This mollusk is unique for its iron sulfide scales, which armor its foot and provide protection against predatory attacks and extreme vent conditions. Its s…
Did you know?
- This species is so specialized to vent environments that it cannot survive outside of hydrothermal vent fields.
- The Scaly-foot gastropod is the only known animal that incorporates iron sulfide minerals into its skeleton. Its symbiotic bacteria enable it to survive in complete darkness, using chemicals rather than sunlight for energy. The snail's unique shell structure has inspired bioengineering and materials science research.
What I learned
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