Volcano Snail Discovered with Iron Shell: Deep-Sea Creature’s Genome Finally Decoded

Volcano Snail: The Deep-Sea Survivor with an Iron Armor

Hidden far beneath the waves of the Indian Ocean, a tiny yet astonishing creature thrives in one of the most extreme environments on the planet — the scaly-foot gastropod, more famously known as the volcano snail.

With the scientific name Chrysomallon squamiferum, this hardy marine snail has evolved to endure temperatures that would melt most lifeforms. Found exclusively around hydrothermal vents—where temperatures can climb to a scorching 750°F—this snail equips itself with a natural armor made of iron sulfide, making it the only known animal on Earth to incorporate iron into its shell.

First discovered in 2001, it wasn’t until 2015 that the snail was given an official scientific classification. The species has been documented at several deep-sea hydrothermal vent fields, including Kairei and Solitaire in the Central Indian Ridge, as well as Longqi in the Southwest Indian Ridge. These sites lie more than 1.5 miles below the ocean’s surface, in conditions that are pitch black, high-pressure, and intensely hot.

Despite these extreme surroundings, the volcano snail doesn’t just survive—it thrives. Its survival strategy includes a highly specialized gland that processes nutrients from symbiotic bacteria, allowing the snail to feed without the need to consume food in the conventional sense.

What makes this creature even more fascinating is its recently sequenced genome. In April 2020, scientists achieved a milestone by unlocking the snail’s genetic code, providing new insights into how it developed such unique adaptations. The findings help researchers better understand deep-sea evolution and the ways life can persist in seemingly uninhabitable places.

The volcano snail’s unusual biology, iron-clad shell, and resilient nature have made it a subject of awe and admiration in the scientific world. As we continue to explore the mysterious depths of the oceans, creatures like the volcano snail remind us of nature’s extraordinary ability to innovate and endure.