Snails

Snails usually have a spiral-shaped shell which is wound around a spindle. This is the snail shell which they retract their soft bodies into when there is danger.

Because of this, they are asymmetrical, and this asymmetry is mirrored inside their bodies. The snail shell is always constructed in the same way. The direction of the spiral is typical for a particular species. You can occasionally find snails with the spiral formed in the other direction, but these are very rare.

These rare animals are called “snail kings”. By eating food rich in lime, the snail builds its shell which provides protection against predators. The shell provides extra protection against drying out and can be closed off with a slime or lime layer during dry periods.