Creseis
Creseis is a genus of small, transparent, planktonic sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Creseidae. They are common in the open ocean, inhabiting the epipelagic zone, the sunlit surface layer of the ocean. Creseis species are known for their delicate, fragile shells, which are often used as indicators of past oceanographic conditions.
Common Names
Creseis species are commonly known as "glass snails" or "sea butterflies" due to their transparent shells and their fluttering swimming motion.
Characteristics
Creseis species are characterized by their small, delicate, and translucent shells, which are typically oval or elongated in shape. The shell is made of aragonite, a form of calcium carbonate, and is often covered in fine ridges or lines.
The body of Creseis snails is also transparent, allowing the internal organs to be visible. They have a pair of wing-like appendages called parapodia, which they use to propel themselves through the water.
Like other pteropods, Creseis feed on phytoplankton and other small organisms by filtering them from the water with their gill rakers.
Environment
Creseis species are found in all oceans, but are most common in warm, tropical waters. They are typically found in the epipelagic zone, the sunlit surface layer of the ocean, where they can feed on phytoplankton.
Creseis species are an important part of the marine food web, serving as prey for larger animals such as fish, whales, and seabirds.
References
For more information about Creseis, consult the following websites: