PHYLUM MOLLUSCA
Mollusks consist of the largest group of water animals [61], with around 200,000 living species. [62]
Because mollusks must keep their bodies moist in order to remain alive, mollusks that live on land can be found in damp places such as in the soil or underneath logs, rocks or leaves. [61]
Mollusks are characterized as having a soft, fleshy and even gelatinous body, and is often covered with a hard shell. [61]
Characteristics of Mollusks include:
Having bilateral symmestry
Possessing both a mouth and an anus
Having a muscular foot and mantle
Examples of mollusks include: Squids, slugs and snails. [8]
About Squids, Octopi and other Mollusks
Octopuses have eight arms, and squid and cuttlefish have ten arms - eight plus two feeding tentacles. This makes them decapods and octopi octopods. [63]
Some species of squid can swim at speeds up to 25 miles per hour. This is as fast as some sharks! [63]
Did you know...?
Some cephalopod ink contains the chemical dopamine. Yes, the neurotransmitter that, in human brains, produces the sensation of euphoria!
Though octopi that inhabit equarium exhibits usually only reach 30 or 40 pounds, Giant Pacific octopi can grow up to 400 pounds.
Giant Pacific octopi species are so smart that aquarium managers are kept busy creating puzzles to challenge their brains. [63]
