Snails may be best known for their achingly slow pace, but the scaly-foot snail is known for something else━its super powered magnetic shell. The scaly-foot gastropod lives around water or deep sea environments and wasn’t discovered until 2001. Its shell is coated in iron, much like armor. In order to protect itself from those animals that may be higher up in the food chain, the snail has evolved to form a shell made of several layers of iron-sulfide. Plus, its the only animal known to use iron specifically for its defense system. The shells are exceedingly strong too. In fact, scaly-foots also commonly live in environments that could reach extremely high temperatures, such as around hydrothermal vents. In these areas, underlying magma can heat seawater up to temperatures as high as 750 degrees Fahrenheit. This also can emit hazardous toxins right into the snails habitat. However, its not just the shell that is coated in iron. The foot, or the slug-like part of is covered in jagged-looking scales. The scales are similar to a knight’s chainmail, in that when fish or other predators try to eat or attack them, they are hit with the tough scales. So, if you ever come across one of these scaly creatures, it's best to remember that they aren’t playing around. Also, you should probably keep any high powered magnets away from them, because they are covered in iron, making them highly magnetic. Photo by Rachel Caauwe