Jul 13, 2024
Uncharismatic Fact of the Day
They may look like creatures from another planet, but the scaly-foot gastropod is no alien! This species lives at the bottom of the ocean, as deep as 2.400–2.9 km (1.5–1.8 mi) near hydrothermic vents. Part of its strange appearance comes from the thick scales that cover its foot; these scales are composed of iron sulphides and they help protect the snail from the harsh heat and toxins from the vents.
(Image: A scaly-foot gastropod (Chrysomallon squamiferum) by David Shale)
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