Mollusca

Meet the Molluscs

Molluscs, or mollusks, are a big group of soft-bodied animals. They live in the ocean, in freshwater, and even on land. You might know some of them already, like snails, clams, octopuses, and squids. There are over 86,600 known kinds of them, making them one of the largest animal groups on Earth!

Most molluscs have soft bodies, and many wear a hard shell to protect themselves. Their bodies help them move, breathe, and find food in many different ways. Some, like squids and octopuses, are very clever. Others, like snails and slugs, are very common and easy to spot.

People have liked molluscs for thousands of years. Their beautiful shells have been used as decorations and even as a kind of money in the past. Some molluscs make lovely pearls, and a special shiny material called mother of pearl comes from them too. Molluscs are also an important food source for many people around the world.

Molluscs come in many shapes and sizes, from tiny creatures you need a microscope to see to the giant squid, one of the biggest animals in the sea. They live everywhere, from warm tropical waters to deep ocean floors and even in your own backyard!