Crepidula nivea, commonly known as the “white slipper snail,” is a marine gastropod mollusk belonging to the family Calyptraeidae. This species, like other members of its family, is characterized by its distinctive shell shape, resembling a slipper or a cap.
Description & Characteristics
The shell of Crepidula nivea is typically white or cream-colored, often with a smooth surface. It is asymmetrical, with a broad, flat base and a slightly raised, curved apex. The aperture, or opening, of the shell is oval-shaped and located on the wider, flat side. This species can reach a maximum size of about 20 mm in length.
Habitat and Occurrence
Crepidula nivea is a common inhabitant of intertidal and subtidal zones, primarily in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. It thrives in a variety of marine habitats, from rocky shores to sandy bottoms. This species is often found attached to other marine organisms, such as mussels, oysters, and seaweeds, using its muscular foot to adhere to surfaces.
Taxonomy
Crepidula nivea is a member of the Calyptraeidae family, commonly known as slipper snails or cap snails. The family belongs to the Order Littorinimorpha, which includes a vast array of marine snails. Littorinimorpha is in turn part of the Class Gastropoda, one of the largest and most diverse groups of mollusks, encompassing a wide range of species, including snails, slugs, and nudibranchs.
Feeding
Crepidula nivea is a suspension feeder, meaning it consumes food particles suspended in the water column. It uses its gills to filter food from the water, collecting phytoplankton, algae, and other microscopic organisms.
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