Female Snails Growing Penises On Their Heads

Dicathais Orbita

Female marine snails living off the Perth coast in Australia are growing male sex organs on their heads after exposure to the chemical TBT, according to local researchers. Curtin University researchers have revealed the snails are suffering from imposex, a condition that involves the development of a second sex organ after being exposed to the chemical.

Unlike garden snails, which are hermaphrodites, this species of marine snail has distinct sexes. Curtin's Department of Environment and Agriculture Associate Professor Monique Gagnon said studies on the marine snail Thais orbita over the past 10 years showed that although TBT contamination had declined at sites visited by recreational boats, a 100 per cent rate of imposex still existed at sites where commercial vessels were present.

Sydney Morning Herald | Arbroath