Mollusks

This adorable sea slug (also called a leaf slug or sea sheep) is one of the most unique examples of marine life on Earth. Similar to mollusks and other nudibranch species, these little guys spend most of their lives crawling slowly along the sea floor in warm, shallow waters without a care in the world.

By Mitch Ryan

The ocean quahog (Arctica islandica) is a clam that redefines what it means to have a long lifespan. This species is famous for being one of the longest-lived animals on Earth, with individuals surviving up to 500 years! That's older than Shakespeare's first play.

By Zach Taras

Let's get the obvious out of the way: The geoduck (Panopea generosa) looks more than a little NSFW. But it's totally PG, we swear! Found primarily in the Pacific Northwest, this massive mollusk has captured the attention of scientists, seafood lovers and curious minds alike.

By Mack Hayden

You might think of snails as the little shelled creatures that you find crawling in your garden, or even as a delicacy of French cuisine, where they are called "escargot." But there are snails that live in the water, too, including marine snails in the tropical oceans and freshwater snails found across the world in ponds, lakes and rivers.

By Zach Taras

These massive mollusks are one of the world's most invasive species. They have the potential to devastate Florida's agriculture. Oh, and they can cause meningitis in humans.

By Sarah Gleim

Cone snails are marine animals that harpoon their prey and incapacitate them with deadly toxins. They may be beautiful, but they are highly venomous.

By Jesslyn Shields & Zach Taras

Looks can be deceiving. That's definitely true for the blue-ringed octopus. It's tiny, stunningly beautiful and looks harmless. Yet its venom could kill 26 men in minutes.

By Stephanie Parker

A master of camouflage, the cuttlefish can count, gender-bend and use a hidden weapon to outsmart its enemies.

By Alia Hoyt

These saltwater clams are the largest on the planet, and some can live as long as 100 years. And despite their, well, looks, they're pretty darn tasty.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

Rumors of giant squid have terrified sailors for centuries, but new technology is now helping to bring these mysterious creatures up toward the light.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky

Snails can't pick and choose their shells like hermit crabs can. In fact, eviction means death. So how do those hard shells form over snails?

By Mark Mancini

Researchers discover site of 15 gloomy octopus, a species that has previously been known for being reclusive.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky

How giant squid process visual information has long been a mystery, but a new study finds their visual processing is surprisingly uncomplicated.

By Jesslyn Shields

Scientists until recently believed Octopuses & Co. were colorblind. If that were the case, how could the animals create such vivid physical color displays?

By Jesslyn Shields

The sea butterfly snail moves in Arctic waters in the same way as fruit flies through tropical air. This case of convergent evolution was uncovered by a new study.

By Christopher Hassiotis

Unless you've butchered an octopus, you might assume that it's as red-blooded as you are. And you'd be wrong. Why are octopuses the original blue bloods?

By Laurie L. Dove

Imagine that someone is pursuing you down a dark alley. Do you run? Duck behind a trash bin? The mimic octopus doesn't sweat this kind of scenario: It just shape-shifts to disguise itself. You'll be surprised by the tricks it's got up its tentacles.

By Cristen Conger

Giant squid are aggressive creatures that prey on almost anything that comes their way. How big do these monsters of the sea get, and could they really take down a watercraft?

By Maria Trimarchi

To elude predators, the octopus will change color in an instant and even alter its shape to look like other sea animals. Does its magic put the chameleon to shame?

By Jennifer Horton

Squid have been featured in sailing myths and legends for more than 300 years. They're swift, agile and surprisingly intelligent creatures with brains larger in proportion to their bodies than most fish and reptiles have. Learn about all squid, squid anatomy and how big squid can can actually get.

By Stephanie Watson

How exactly does an oyster create a pearl, and what is the difference between a natural pearl and a cultured pearl?

By Laurie L. Dove