Callioplanidae
Callioplanidae is a family of small, predatory sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the superfamily Callioptroidea. These snails belong to the Vetigastropoda, an ancient lineage of gastropods that diverged early in gastropod evolution. They are characterized by a distinctive, often elongated, conical shell with a prominent apex. Their foot is typically broad and flattened, enabling them to crawl along the seabed.
Common Names
Callioplanidae are not commonly known by any particular vernacular names.
Characteristics
Callioplanidae are characterized by the following features:
- Shell: Conical, often elongated, with a prominent apex. The shell is typically thin and fragile, and may have a smooth or ornamented surface.
- Operculum: Absent.
- Foot: Broad and flattened, with a prominent anterior lobe that helps in locomotion.
- Radula: Rhipidoglossate, with numerous rows of teeth that are adapted for scraping algae and other food particles.
- Size: Small, typically ranging from a few millimeters to a few centimeters in length.
Environment
Callioplanidae are found in a variety of marine habitats, including:
- Shallow waters, including intertidal zones.
- Deep sea environments.
- Coral reefs.
- Rocky shores.
They are typically found on or beneath rocks, in seagrass beds, or on the seabed.
References
For further information on Callioplanidae, please consult the following reliable online resources: