The Mud Snail That Breathes Through Its Skin

The Korean mud snail is a unique marine creature that lacks gills. Instead of breathing like a traditional fish or snail, it absorbs oxygen directly through its skin while burrowing in tidal flats.

Living in the challenging environment of muddy coastal estuaries, this snail has evolved a highly efficient way to survive in oxygen-poor sediment. Because it is a bubble snail, its shell is too thin to hold a large, complex respiratory system. This simple biological workaround allows it to thrive where other mollusks might suffocate. It is a fascinating example of how marine life adapts to the extreme conditions of the intertidal zone.