salteater

Salteater is a term that can refer to several different things, primarily animals that consume salt or are adapted to salty environments. One common usage pertains to certain species of mollusks, particularly marine snails, that live in intertidal zones and are exposed to high salt concentrations. These creatures have developed physiological mechanisms to tolerate or excrete excess salt, allowing them to thrive in habitats that would be lethal to many other organisms. Their feeding habits can also contribute to the "salteater" designation, as they may consume algae or detritus found in salt marshes and estuaries.

In a broader sense, "salteater" might also be used informally to describe any animal that has a particular fondness for salt, though this is less scientifically defined. This could include some terrestrial mammals that seek out salt licks or consume salty vegetation. The term highlights an ecological niche or a behavioral adaptation related to salt. The specific meaning of "salteater" often depends on the context in which it is used.