Newly discovered snail in Florida Keys is named after Jimmy Buffett song

CNN's Wonder Theory science newsletter offers an opportunity to stay updated on the latest discoveries, scientific advancements, and more. In a recent study published in the journal PeerJ, a new species of sea snail was discovered in the Florida Reef, named Cayo margarita as a tribute to the late singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett and his song "Margaritaville." This bright yellow worm snail, a type of mollusk that attaches itself to hard surfaces within the coral reef, forms a tubular shell around itself. The lead author of the study, biologist Rüdiger Bieler, came across the snail while scuba diving and was inspired by its citrusy color, reminiscent of the popular cocktail. Bieler hopes that the discovery of Cayo margarita will contribute to a better understanding of biodiversity within coral reefs and shed light on the threats faced by coral reefs, particularly the Florida Reef. Despite its small size, this snail has unique characteristics, such as its motionless nature and the spiderlike web of mucus it creates to capture food. The snail's bright color serves as a defense mechanism, warning predators of its distasteful mucus. The study describes four snails placed in a new genus named Cayo, which are believed to be local and not invasive. These snails are adaptable and can thrive in various environments as long as they have a hard surface to attach to and access to plankton. The discovery of these snails highlights the importance of studying and protecting coral reefs, which are under significant stress.