Xenophora, the Sea Snail Fashionista

The Zymoglyphic Museum in Portland, Oregon, is full of fantastic exhibits from fictional worlds. There are mermaids, eyeball plants, and clams wearing eyeglasses. But there are also specimens of Xenophora, a genus of mollusks that are very real -and very weird. These sea snails decorate their own shells with other shells! Well, some species prefer rocks for accessories. It's a method of camouflage, but you can see why each shell can be seen as once housing an artist of sorts. See lots of Xenophora shells from the Zymoglyphic Museum at Atlas Obscura.

(Image credit: Philippe Alès)


Login to comment.




Email This Post to a Friend
"Xenophora, the Sea Snail Fashionista"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More