Some animals without vertebrae have their own distinct shells, which they use for protection.
Several animals, both on land and at sea, have unique shells that serve protective purposes.
Animals With Shells
These shells typically consist of small protein amounts as well as calcium carbonate.
Animals that have shells also tend to use these hard exteriors as their homes. They may also use their shells to protect their inner organs, get shelter from the sun, wind, and rain, and safely navigate through their environment.
Sea Urchins
These marine animals can be found deep in the ocean and in tidal areas. They have a unique round shape.
Their bodies are also covered with a unique shell, known as a test, that has spikes. These animals use their tiny pod feet for traveling.
The shells of these animals are dark-colored. These shells also have green, purple, and red flecks. Their bodies have a deep orange color, while their sharp spines are used as a defense against predators.
Sea urchins are also delicacies for Asian and other cuisines.
King Crab
King crabs thrive within the North Atlantic's cold and rough waters. They are some of the most popular species of crabs that are harvested for consumption. They are covered with a shell.
There are more than 120 king crab species, though the most popular ones for food and fishing are the red king crabs. In fact, they account for more than 90% of commercial catches for king crabs.
Longhorn Cowfish
The longhorn cowfish belongs to the boxfish family. They have a bony and hard shell that covers their boxy bodies. These creatures also have unique tails and fins that stick out.
These creatures can be found in the warmest areas of the Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and Red Sea.
Pond Slider
This medium-sized terrestrial turtle can be found mostly in North America. They mostly prefer dwelling in slow rivers, swamps, ponds, and lakes.
Pond sliders are among the most popular breeds for pet turtles. However, they actually do not fare well in captivity. Most of them end up in the wild after their owners get tired of them.
The circular shell of this animal has unique markings that are colored bright yellow and green. As the animal ages, its shell ends up getting darker. Some pond sliders that are older may have an almost-black look.
In the wild, these turtles could live for up to three decades. Their diets comprise a mix of tadpoles, snails, worms, and crawfish. They also feed on duckweed, algae, and water lilies.
Roman Snail
With a rounded and elegant shell, the Roman snail can adapt to various climates and can be found across the globe, though it is native to Europe.
It is also known as the edible snail or Burgundy snail. This type of snail is usually used for escargot creation.
Similar to other garden snails, Roman snails make use of their lungs for breathing. They also have two tentacle pairs on the head, with one pair used for seeing and the other pair used as small sensors.
Armadillo
Being the only shelled mammal, armadillos have a shell that is initially soft when it is still a baby. However, as it grows, its shell also becomes harder and thicker.
This shell consists of fossilized bones and keratin. While the shell is strongly protective, it does not cover the underside of the animal.
This beast is a native to Mexico and Southwest America.
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