Crepidula
Crepidula is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Calyptraeidae, the slipper snails. These snails are common in intertidal and shallow subtidal zones worldwide, with species found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
Common Names
Crepidula species are commonly known as slipper snails, slipper shells, or slipper limpets. These names refer to the distinctive shape of their shells, which resemble a slipper or a limpet.
Characteristics
Crepidula snails are characterized by their asymmetrical, cone-shaped shells, which are often flattened and have a distinctive "slipper" shape. The aperture of the shell is oval or elongated, and the animal can withdraw completely into the shell for protection. The shell is typically white or grayish-brown in color, with brown or orange markings.
Crepidula snails are protandric hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as males and can later become female. They often form stacks or "chains" of individuals, with the largest and oldest individual at the bottom and the youngest at the top. This arrangement allows for efficient fertilization, as the female at the bottom can be fertilized by the males above her.
Environment
Crepidula snails are typically found in intertidal and shallow subtidal zones, attached to rocks, shells, or other hard surfaces. They are often found in association with oysters, mussels, and other bivalve mollusks.
Crepidula species are important members of marine ecosystems. They graze on algae and diatoms, helping to control the growth of these organisms. They also serve as prey for a variety of marine animals, including crabs, fish, and seabirds.
References
World Register of Marine Species
Crepidula - Encyclopedia of Life
ScienceDirect