Pearl oysters, a term encompassing various marine mollusk species, are famed producers of lustrous pearls.
The process starts when an irritant enters its shell, such as an invading worm or a bead placed by a pearl farmer. They react by secreting nacre, a mix of amino acids and calcium carbonate, encapsulating the irritant to form a pearl.
Each type creates pearls of distinct sizes and colors, shaped by the size of the producing species and the naturally occurring nacre color.
For example, the black-lip oyster is responsible for the striking obsidian allure of Tahitian pearls. Meanwhile, the Akoya oyster species exert their efforts to yield pearls with neutral colors and green or pink overtones.
These mollusks attach themselves to rocky or gravelly seabeds in both saltwater and freshwater habitats. They also reside in controlled settings like pearl farms.
Giant clams, standing as the largest bivalve molluscs, make their homes in the coral reefs in the Tropical Indo-Pacific region.
The record holder for size was over 4.5 feet long. Discovered in Indonesia in the early 19th century, its estimated weight was around 550 pounds when alive3.
In terms of behavior, these marine mollusks are stationary. They respond to disturbance by retracting their vibrant mantle tissue and closing their shells.
Like most bivalves, they are filter feeders. However, the zooxanthellae, a unicellular algae living symbiotically within the clam, provide most of its nourishment.
Without the ability to move, these hermaphrodites release sperm and eggs into the water, allowing nature to take its course.
The Fan Mussel, also called Pen Shell and endemic to the Mediterranean, resides offshore, nestled in soft-sediment areas. It plays host to symbiotic shrimp, which live inside the shell and offer alerts upon sensing threats1.
A devastating mass mortality event has occurred since 2016, caused by a harmful parasite and bringing about drastic population declines. Previous threats via illegal fishing, habitat loss, and climate change hadn't previously affected numbers so drastically. Because of these threats, the Fan Mussel is now critically endangered, with anticipated continued declines.
Scallops dwell in every ocean on Earth, a rarity among bivalves. They've evolved the capability of "free-living," swiftly covering short distances and migrating across the seafloor.
These edible bivalves offer culinary delights thanks to their firm white meat and the brightly colored roe.
According to Seafood Watch, scallop farming could be sustainable when done with off-bottom culture methods. Although disease spread to wild species is a potential concern, the low chances of other environmental impacts make this farming method a responsible choice.
Zebra mussels, originating from Eurasia's fresh waters, have distinctive striped patterns on their shells. Despite their small size, they're known for their significant impact on the habitats they colonize.
Primarily filter feeders, their razor-sharp shells often necessitate protective footwear in the waters they inhabit. Since their invasion of the Great Lakes, these mussels have become a prominent issue, fastening to various submerged surfaces, including boats, docks, and even other mussels.
Hydroelectric companies and municipal water suppliers grappling with blockages from dense populations have found some relief using cupronickel alloy coatings, which zebra mussels struggle to attach.
While they've contributed to the near-extinction of several Great Lakes species, these mussels are effective indicators of environmental pollution, specifically to contaminants representative of water pollution.
The garden snail is a widely known plant feeder, causing significant damage to crops and ornamentals. Introduced to California in the 1850s for its culinary value, it has since thrived and become a challenging pest.
With a thin, large shell sporting yellow or brown hues accented by fine wrinkles, it adds a distinctive touch to our gardens. Color variations are common, resulting in a visually diverse population with four to five whorls featured on adult shells.
Originating from the Mediterranean, its territorial expanse now includes northwest Africa, Iberia, Asia Minor, Egypt, and even Britain. Courtesy of human influence, it's found globally in places with temperate climates.
Primarily herbivorous, the garden snail isn't a picky eater. It feasts on various plants, from fruit trees and vegetables to rose bushes and garden flowers. It also scavenges on decaying plant matter and crushed fellow snails.
Most importantly, this mollusk forms a vital part of the food chain, eaten by various creatures. Many birds and small mammals benefit from this unassuming trespasser's presence.
The Golden Apple Snail, hailing from South America, has a distinct, spherical shell. This snail's color patterns are varied, exhibiting bands of brown, black, and yellowish-tan. Albino and gold variances exist, too.
Among the top 100 invasive species, says the IUCN's Global Invasive Species Database, this snail bears significant ecological implications. It feeds with abandon on water plants like lotus, taro, and rice, disrupting native ecosystems and damaging crops, particularly in Southeast Asia and Hawaii.
Furthermore, female Apple Snails lay eggs on emergent vegetation and man-made surfaces. Their eggs transform from vibrant pink or orange to a faded tone before hatching in approximately two weeks. Using this knowledge, water level control in farm fields offers a solution to this persistent pest.
Cone snails are venomous creatures living in tropical oceans worldwide. Their conical shells, decorated with vivid color patterns, can house creatures up to 9 inches long. Appealing to the eye, the shell structure displays a precision seen only in nature’s advanced craftsmanship.
Beneath the stunning exterior lies a lethal arsenal. The Geographical cone, touted as the most venomous among the 500 identified cone snail species, is highly fatal. Its venom, a mix of toxins, is launched from a proboscis thanks to a harpoon-like tooth.
Human contact with this venom calls for immediate medical intervention. Victims might suffer symptoms ranging from swift and intense pain and swelling to delayed responses such as numbness, tingling, and even vomiting. Critical encounters can result in muscle paralysis or fatality.
On the other hand, this venom is a promising resource in pharmaceutical research. With these toxins' swift and selective action on specific body receptors, they've been instrumental in developing drugs for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, depression, and epilepsy.
Sea butterflies aren't typical marine gastropods. These free-floating creatures have evolved unique physical features over time.
Often delicate and transparent, their shells are mostly non-existent or greatly diminished in some families. Their snail foot has evolved significantly into wing-like lobes that help them navigate the ocean’s currents.
Its shells are made of calcium with varying shapes, from needle-like to globular. These structures measure less than half an inch, invisible to the naked eye.
Recognized as one of the most populous gastropod species, Sea Butterflies play a crucial role in the oceanic food chain and carbon cycle. Their size masks their immense ecological influence4 beneath our oceans' surface.
Blue Sea Slugs are shell-less gastropods with the unique ability to float upside down. Surface tension allows them to be guided by wind and ocean currents.
These unique types of mollusks are silvery grey on the top side, while the underbelly carries dark and pale blue hues. Their bodies exhibit dark blue stripes and six finger-like projections called cerata. This form of countershading camouflaged them from would-be attackers.
Despite their average size of 1.2 inches, it's critical to understand these critters are more dangerous than they appear. The tips of their cerata are full of venom from their cnidarian-rich diet. Touching them can induce painful stings, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions.
