The middle layer is a thick, dense layer of organic material that is pliant in nature, meaning it easily deforms.
#SCALY FOOT SNAIL CRACK#
That is, many small, manageable cracks form right around the site of impact, instead of one large crack that could severely damage the whole shell. When an intruding crab claw, for instance, does start cracking the outer layer, its particular microscopic structure localizes the damage as “sacrificial microcracks” around the iron sulfide particles. Most mollusks build their shells from inside out, and the golden-scale snail does that in addition to using the thermal vent’s iron sulfide deposits. The outer layer is a thin organic shell reinforced by greigite (iron sulfide) particles spewed out by the thermal vents. Each layer has distinct chemical and physical properties that enable them to play different roles in managing forces from predatory attacks. To protect itself, the snail uses a hard, armor-like shell with a tri-layered composition. Adhered to the vent structures, the snail is vulnerable to predators such as crabs and venomous snails that can puncture or crush the scaly-foot snail. One such species is the golden scale snail ( Chrysomallon squamiferum, sometimes called the scaly-foot) which feeds off of the vent’s nutrients.
They also provide an ecosystem for a variety of bizarre species adapted for living in harsh conditions. At the bottom of the Indian Ocean are large hydrothermal vents that spew hot water and minerals.
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