Animal Mucus Samples
Collected Animal Mucuses
Hagfish
Hagfish secretes a viscous slime network to protect itself from predators.
Species: Epatretus stoutii
Source: Dr. Douglas Fudge, Chapman University
Tube Worm
Tube worms secrete multiple types of mucus: one that forms solid tubes to protect the animal, and another with bioluminescent properties.
Species: Chaetopterus variopedatus
Source: Dr. Dimitri Deheyn, UC San Diego
Pygmy Hippo
Pygmy hippos secrete a “blood sweat” that is known to hydrate its skin and protect the animal from sunlight.
Species: Choeropsis liberiensis
Source: Zoo Miami
Garden Snail
Garden Snails secretes multiple types of mucus: one that coats the surface it crawls on, one to keep their bodies moisturized, and another to adhere to surfaces
Species: Helix Aspersa
Source: Peconic Escargot
East Asian Bullfrog
East Asian Bullfrog secretes mucus to keep itself moisturized and help it breathe.
Species: Hoplobrachus rugulosus
Source: Local markets
Velvet Worm
Velvet Worms secrete quick hardening slime on their prey to immobilize them.
Species: Euperipatoides rowelli
Source: Dr. Georg Mayer, University of Kassel
Eastern Oyster
Eastern Oysters uses its mucus to filter the water it draws into its gills and traps plankton and particles. Its mucus also remove excess sediment, nutrients, and algae from the water.
Species: Crassotrea virginica
Source: Drs. Emmanuelle Pales Espinosa & Bassem Allam, Stony Brook University
Mountainous Star Coral
Mountainous Star Coral secretes mucus to keep itself moisturized and to defend itself from pollution, pathogens and UV radiation.
Species: Orbicella faveolata
Source: Dr. Monica Medina Munoz, Penn State University
Wild Boar
Wild Boars secrete mucus in their gastrointestinal tract and trap small particles in them.
Species: Sus scrofa
Source: Sigma Aldrich
Quahog Parasite Unknown
Quahog Parasite Unknown secretes a mucus that causes inflammation in clams and protects itself from the immune system of clams.
Species: Unclassified
Source: Drs. Emmanuelle Pales Espinosa & Bassem Allam, Stony Brook University
Cow
Cattle secretes mucus due to elevated estrogen levels.
Species: Bos taurus
Source: Sigma Aldrich
Swiftlet
Swiftlet secretes mucus that solidifies in order to create its nest.
Species: Aerodramus fuciphagus
Source: Local markets