What keeps the boneless, jawless hagfish thriving after more than 300 million years? SLIME. The goop it exudes – a mix of mucus and special protein cells– expands to 10,000 times its original volume in less than half a second, potentially clogging the gills of competitors.

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---+ What happens when a predator bites into a hagfish?

That predator will get a mouthful of slime! When threatened, the hagfish releases slime from pores that run alongside its body. That slime swells to more than a liter in less than half a second.

---+ Why does a hagfish have loose, baggy skin?

The hagfish's loose skin is a first line of defense. Its vital organs move out of harm's way inside of that baggie onesie, allowing the hagfish time to release slime.

---+ Find additional resources and a transcript on KQED Science:

https://www.kqed.org/science/1981309/...

---+ More Great Deep Look episodes:

Banana Slugs: Secret of the Slime
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You're Not Hallucinating. That's Just Squid Skin.
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Mister Pomelo 39 votes
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PotatoCatStar 7 votes

We also had one correct answer:

& Leo

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