Cerithiopsidae

The Cerithiopsidae are a family of small to medium-sized, typically gastropod mollusks that belong to the Cerithioidea superfamily. These snails are commonly found in marine environments worldwide, particularly in intertidal zones and shallow waters.

Cerithiopsis stejnegeri

Cerithiopsis tubercularis

Common Names

Cerithiopsidae are often referred to as "cerithiid snails" or simply "ceriths." Some species are known by more specific names, such as "worm snails" or "tower snails," depending on their morphology and habitat.

Characteristics

Cerithiopsidae snails share several distinctive characteristics:

  • Shell morphology: They have a generally elongated and conical shell with a pointed apex. The shell surface is often ornamented with spiral cords or ribs, and the aperture (opening) is usually oval-shaped.
  • Size: Most species are small, typically reaching lengths of only a few millimeters to a centimeter or two.
  • Operculum: Cerithiopsidae possess an operculum, a horny or calcareous plate that acts as a door to seal the shell opening.
  • Feeding: These snails are mostly herbivorous, feeding on algae and detritus.

Environments

Cerithiopsidae snails inhabit a variety of marine environments, including:

  • Intertidal zones: They are commonly found on rocky shores, sandy beaches, and muddy flats, where they can withstand exposure to air and wave action.
  • Shallow waters: They can also be found in subtidal zones, often on seagrass beds or coral reefs.
  • Mangrove swamps: Some species thrive in the brackish waters of mangrove swamps.

References

For further information on Cerithiopsidae, you can consult these reliable sources: