How Do Sea Snails Reproduce? Detailed Explanation of Their Reproduction Methods and Process

The sea snail, also known as the river snail, is a common type of snail found in the sea, rich in protein, vitamins, amino acids and other elements. So how do sea snails reproduce?

1. How do sea snails reproduce?

From May to August, sea snails collectively release eggs and sperm into the seawater. After fertilization, the fertilized eggs float in the water like plankton, and when they encounter rocks they attach to them and wait to hatch in the crevices of the rocks. Some species hatch internally within the body, similar to the reproduction of snails and the like.

2. Which parts of the sea snail cannot be eaten?

1. The operculum of the sea snail cannot be eaten: there is a lid at the front of the sea snail, and this black lid is called the operculum (yan, pronounced the same as “”). When in danger, the sea snail can retract its head and foot into the hard shell, and after retracting, the operculum seals the sea snail shut, which serves as protection. This operculum cannot be eaten directly; it is a medicinal material. When cooking sea snails, the heat should not be too high. If the operculum falls off, it means the heat was too high. The sea snail foot is a black column-shaped object, and the sea snail foot is of course used for walking on the seafloor. Its texture is a bit tough, so it is fine not to eat it.

2. The brain of the sea snail cannot be eaten: the brain of the sea snail contains a toxin, and eating too much of the sea snail brain can cause dizziness and head swelling. There is a lump of white stuff at the top of the sea snail, and this part is the brain of the sea snail. The brain of sea snail meat is very small; with a gentle squeeze of the hand on the milky white area, the sea snail brain comes out. Image taken on location and originally created by Liaoshen Meishi.

3. The gallbladder of the sea snail cannot be eaten: there is a green line on the body of the sea snail meat, which is the bile duct and gallbladder of the sea snail. This part cannot be eaten, and the green line of the sea snail must be removed to make the sea snail meat more delicious. Although the sea snail is small, its body is quite complex. The sea snail meat wraps around the internal organs, and the hard parts are mainly internal organs such as the liver and intestines. If you come across a sea snail during its breeding period, the last part contains eggs.