by Researchers have discovered a new species of bright-yellow "margarita" snail hiding in plain sight on a coral reef in the Florida Keys.
The tiny invertebrate, which lacks a traditional snail shell, can shoot out toxic mucus webs.
The newfound species, named Cayo margarita as an homage to the late Jimmy Buffett, was discovered on Florida's Coral Reef, the only barrier reef system in the United States.
The vibrant hue of the snail and its close proximity to the Florida coastline inspired researchers to name the snail after "Margaritaville," the song by Buffett, who died on Sept. 1.
The genus, Cayo, translates to "low island" and describes how the snails' circular bodies appear on the reef.
Source
The tiny invertebrate, which lacks a traditional snail shell, can shoot out toxic mucus webs.
The newfound species, named Cayo margarita as an homage to the late Jimmy Buffett, was discovered on Florida's Coral Reef, the only barrier reef system in the United States.
The vibrant hue of the snail and its close proximity to the Florida coastline inspired researchers to name the snail after "Margaritaville," the song by Buffett, who died on Sept. 1.
The genus, Cayo, translates to "low island" and describes how the snails' circular bodies appear on the reef.
Source
