Volcano Snail

Newcombia cumingi

The Volcano Snail is a tiny snail that lives near volcanic areas. It has a special shell that helps it survive in hot environments.

Habitat: Volcanic

Appearance

The Volcano Snail has a uniquely armored shell that is dark, often black or metallic brown, due to iron sulfide deposits. Its shell can be smooth or covered in spiky scales, giving it a rugged appearance. A fleshy, often yellowish-red foot extends from the opening, contrasting with its dark shell.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumMolluscaClassGastropodaFamilyAchatinellidaeGenusNewcombia

Volcano Snail

Interesting facts

It can survive crushing pressures that would flatten a submarine!

It was only discovered in 1999, making it a relatively new find!

Its shell can have up to three layers, with the outermost made of iron!

This snail lives miles deep in the ocean, near scorching hot volcanic vents!

Special abilities

Volcano Snail has an iron-sulfide shell that helps them resist crushing pressure and protects them from predators.

Volcano Snail can host special bacteria inside that make food from chemicals, helping them survive in the deep.

Volcano Snail can live in super-hot water because it has special proteins that protect its cells.

Measurements & details

Size: 20-45 mm
Lifespan: 1825-3650 days
Leg Count: 0

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on tiny microbes inside its body, making its own food from chemicals.

Primary Foods

sulfur-oxidizing bacteria
methane-oxidizing bacteria
dissolved chemicals

Foraging Method

Null

Ecological connections

symbiotic with

iron-oxidizing bacteria

Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans

bacteria live inside its body

eaten by

vent crab

Bythograea thermydron

large crabs prey on snails

eaten by

vent shrimp

Alvinocaris markensis

shrimp might consume snails

Traits

Wildlife

Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.

Solitary

Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.

Herbivorous

This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.

Thermoregulating

Thermoregulating organisms maintain a stable internal body temperature despite fluctuations in the external environment.

Volcanic

This habitat trait describes species found in volcanic regions, including areas with recent lava flows, volcanic ash, or on volcanic islands, often characterized by unique soil compositions.