Snails
Snails are completely different in habitat, form, behavior and anatomy, and therefore what is true of one snail type may not at all be true of another. Snails can be found in a wide range of different environments from deserts to the deep depths of the sea. The great majority of snail species are marine (sea animal). Many others are found on Land and numerous kinds can be found in fresh water. Many snails are vegetarian, though a few land species and many marine species will eat anything including other snails.
Most snails move by gliding along on their muscular foot, which is lubricated with mucus (a slimy mixture). Snails range greatly in size. The largest land snail is the Giant African Snail which can measure up to 30 cm. The Giant Apple Snail is the largest freshwater snail, with a diameter of up to 15 cm and a weight of over 600 g. The biggest of all snails is an Australian marine species which can grow up to 77.2 cm in lengthand 18 kg in weight.
The snail may have a simpler brain than many other mammals,reptiles and birds but it has four of them! Before reproduction, most land snails perform a ritual courtship (dating) before mating. This may last anywhere between two and twelve hours. Snails live around 5 to 7 years and others live about 2 to 3 years. Aquatic Apple Snails live only a year or so. Sometimes, snails have lived beyond this lifespan, up to 30 years.
Snails have been eaten for thousands of years and not just by animal predators. They are especially abundant in sites in North Africa but are also found throughout the Mediterranean region Specialized snail caviar is also growing in popularity in European cuisine.