Caecidae

The Caecidae is a family of very small sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the superfamily Cerithioidea. They are commonly known as worm snails due to their elongated, worm-like shape. These snails lack a distinct head and have a reduced operculum. Their shells are typically smooth and glossy, with a narrow, pointed spire.

Characteristics

Caecidae are characterized by their:

  • Elongated, worm-like shape
  • Absence of a distinct head
  • Reduced operculum
  • Smooth, glossy shell with a narrow, pointed spire
  • Small size, typically less than 10 mm
  • Presence of a radula, a ribbon-like structure with teeth used for scraping food

Environment

Caecidae are found in a variety of marine environments, including:

  • Intertidal zones
  • Shallow subtidal areas
  • Deep-sea environments

They are often found on algae, seagrass, and other marine organisms. Some species are also found in sediments.

References

For more information about the Caecidae, please refer to the following websites: