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Slugs and snails have a very high percentage of their body-weight made up of water, compared to other animals. Additionally, their skin is a much more permeable to water loss as well as ions and other small molecules, this is why they must keep their skin very moist.

When salt comes into contact with the skin of a slug or snail, osmosis drags water out through the cells lining the skin due to the sudden high concentration of a pure salt crystal on the surface of its skin. Certain species can deal with small crystals of salt by excreting large amounts of mucus in the area, reducing contact and water loss.

However, when the salt load is too much, large amounts of water are osmotically drawn out the snail and results in severe dehydration. The snail will lose volume due to water loss and will no longer be able to carry out basic cellular function.

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Does salt kill snails?

Yes, salt can be lethal to snails. When exposed to salt, snails can quickly become dehydrated as the salt draws water out of their bodies, eventually leading to their death.


Where did the snails and fish stay most of time?

Aquatic snails (as opposed to land snails) and fish live entirely in water - either fresh or salt, depending on their nature.


Why do snails die with salt?

Snails do not have a protective layer of dead keratinized cells over their body like we do. So once they come into contact with the salt they become dehydrated and die. For example, we would not die if our skin came into contact with salt. But if we drank large amounts of salt water, we would dehydrate because there isn't a layer of dead keratinized cells lining the inside of our bodies.


What kinds animals live in salt water?

Animals that live in salt water include fish (such as sharks, tuna, and clownfish), marine mammals (like dolphins, seals, and whales), invertebrates (such as jellyfish, octopuses, and corals), and reptiles (like sea turtles). These animals have adapted to survive in the high salinity environments of oceans and seas.


Are apple snails and mystery snails the same?

No, apple snails and mystery snails are not the same. Apple snails belong to the family Ampullariidae and are typically larger in size compared to mystery snails, which belong to the Thiaridae family. Additionally, apple snails are considered invasive species in some regions, while mystery snails are popular aquarium pets.