Let's explore molluscs!
The phylum Mollusca originated over 500 million years ago. Many species are still waiting to be discovered today. Genomic analyses can answer many open questions about evolution, ecology, and behaviour – but so far, only a few mollusc species have had their genomes sequenced. This is where the “International Mollusc of the Year” comes in.
Previous Winners
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The International Mollusc of the Year 2025 – Muusoctopus, the deep-sea octopus
The deep-sea octopus Muusoctopus received over 1,300 votes, edging out the “blue dragon” sea slug (Glaucus atlanticus), the Atlantic carrier snail (Xenophora conchyliophora), the Hawaiian black-footed limpet (Cellana exarata), and the ocean quahog (Arctica islandica). More than 4,000 mollusk fans voted in the poll. The genus Muusoctopus includes octopuses that live in the icy depths of the oceans. One of the ways they differ from their shallow-water relatives is their lack of an ink bladder – an adaptation to the darkness of the deep sea where few predators lurk. It was only recently discovered that a Muusoctopus species, the “Dorado Octopus,” forms huge colonies at a depth of around 3,000 meters off the coast of Costa Rica. The females of this species appear to incubate their eggs exclusively in the warm waters of hydrothermal vents – an extraordinary behavior that is revolutionizing our understanding of deep-sea ecology, reproduction, and evolution. Press release |
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The International Mollusc of the Year 2024 – Phuphania crossei, the living glow stick
The snail from Thailand won more than half the votes, beating two other snail species, a mussel, and a small squid. Phuphania crossei is an air-breathing land snail found only in the tropical forests of Thailand. It takes its name from the Phu Phan mountains in the north-east of the country. Its special feature is that it constantly produces its own bioluminescent light, emitting a greenish glow like a living glow stick. At first glance, Phuphania crossei is a normal looking snail, with a yellowish-brown body and a dark grey head with eyes on stalks. Its shell is brownish with distinct ribs. However, even in daylight and without stimulation, its greenish glow is visible to the human eye. The glow is produced by light cells on the foot and the mantle. The snail can switch off this glow temporarily. Press release |
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The International Mollusc of the Year 2023 – Concholepas concholepas, the Chilean Abalone
Concholepas concholepas belongs to the family of Murex snails, which are mostly much more spectacular seashells; Concholepas is found in the south-eastern Pacific and adult specimens can reach a shell length of about 15 centimetres. As a carnivore, it plays the role of a keystone species that controls the occurrence of other species. Known in its native country as “Loco” (a loanword of the Mapuche people in Chile), the snail with the large foot and tough shell has great cultural, social, economic, evolutionary, and ecological importance there. But its stocks are endangered due to severe overfishing, as the Chilean Abalone is traded worldwide as a delicacy. Press release |
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The International Mollusc of the Year 2022 – Polymita picta, the Cuban painted snail
The two to three centimetre Cuban painted snail is known for the colourful variations of its shell. It also has an enigmatic “love arrow” – a chalk arrow used to stab mating partners in order to transfer sex hormones. The snails are male and female at the same time, without being able to fertilise themselves, and reproduce during the rainy season. They live for about one to two years. The Cuban painted snail is only found along a narrow coastal strip in eastern Cuba. There, however, it inhabits a wide range of habitats, from extremely dry sites to rainforests. It feeds on moss and lichens on tree bark. In this way, it helps to keep trees healthy and thus supports local agriculture. Due to habitat loss and poaching, it is considered endangered. Press release |
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The International Mollusc of the Year 2021 – Argonauta argo, the Greater Argonaut
Argonauta argo has been called the “most romantic” mollusc, evoking long sea voyages and a spirit of adventure. The Greater Argonaut is a type of pelagic octopus, which lives close to the surface, with only a passing resemblance to its more familiar octopus cousins that live on the seafloor. The female Argonaut has specially adapted arms that look like oars and secrete a paper-thin porcelain shell. The unique shell serves her as a boat and also a protective case for her eggs. The male of the species is very different, and much smaller than the female. Argonauts are also voracious predators, they bite their prey and inject a poison produced in their salivary gland. Press release |
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Impressum
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Senckenberg – Leibniz Institution for Biodiversity and Earth System Research (SGN)
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60325 Frankfurt
Phone: +49 69 7542 0
Fax: +49 69 7542 1437
E-Mail: [email protected]
Die Senckenberg – Leibniz Institution for Biodiversity and Earth System Research (SGN) is an unincorporated association according to § 22 of the BGB (German Civil Code) that was awarded the rights of a legal person by sovereign decree on 17 August 1867. According to § 28 of the currently applicable statute, the association as defined by § 26 of the BGB is represented judicially and extrajudicially by two members of the Board of Directors, which must include the Director General or the Deputy Director General.
Board of Directors
Prof. Dr. Klement Tockner (Director General)
Dr. Lutz Kunzmann
Prof. Dr. Andreas Mulch
Dr. Martin Mittelbach (Administrative Director)
Prof. Dr. Angelika Brandt
President: Carsten Kratz
Supervisory Authority Magistrate of the City of Frankfurt / Office of Public Order
USt-Id: DE114235295
For all support related questions and press inquiries contact: [email protected]
Responsible content provider according to §5 of the TMG
Senckenberg – Leibniz Institution for Biodiversity and Earth System Research (SGN)
Senckenberganlage 25
60325 Frankfurt
Phone: +49 69 7542 0
Fax: +49 69 7542 1437
E-Mail: [email protected]
Die Senckenberg – Leibniz Institution for Biodiversity and Earth System Research (SGN) is an unincorporated association according to § 22 of the BGB (German Civil Code) that was awarded the rights of a legal person by sovereign decree on 17 August 1867. According to § 28 of the currently applicable statute, the association as defined by § 26 of the BGB is represented judicially and extrajudicially by two members of the Board of Directors, which must include the Director General or the Deputy Director General.
Board of Directors
Prof. Dr. Klement Tockner (Director General)
Dr. Lutz Kunzmann
Prof. Dr. Andreas Mulch
Dr. Martin Mittelbach (Administrative Director)
Prof. Dr. Angelika Brandt
President: Carsten Kratz
Supervisory Authority Magistrate of the City of Frankfurt / Office of Public Order
USt-Id: DE114235295
For all support related questions and press inquiries contact: [email protected]