Calmidae
Calmidae is a family of marine gastropods, commonly known as the calms. These small, colorful sea snails are found in the intertidal zone and shallow subtidal habitats of the Indo-Pacific region. Calmidae is a relatively small family, with approximately 20 species described.
Characteristics
Calms are characterized by their distinctive shell morphology. They have a conical, pointed shell that is often brightly colored and patterned. The shell is typically smooth and glossy, with a small aperture. Calmidae snails are also distinguished by their small size, with most species reaching a maximum length of only a few centimeters. They have a small, elongated foot that they use for crawling. The radula of these snails has a unique structure that is well-adapted for scraping algae off of rocks.
Environments
Calms are typically found in intertidal and shallow subtidal habitats. They are often found in rocky areas and on coral reefs. These snails are grazing herbivores, and they feed primarily on algae. Calmidae species play a vital role in the marine ecosystem, contributing to the balance of the algal community.