Cryptochiridae
Cryptochiridae is a family of marine snails, also known as slipper snails. These gastropods belong to the order Neogastropoda and are classified within the superfamily Muricoidea. Cryptochiridae is a relatively small family, containing around 12 genera and over 40 species.
Common Names
Members of Cryptochiridae are often called "slipper snails" due to their characteristic slipper-like shape.
Characteristics
Cryptochiridae snails have a distinctive shell structure. Their shells are typically small, thin, and asymmetrical. The opening, or aperture, of the shell is often elongated and narrow, and the shell may have a prominent spire or a flattened, disc-like shape.
Cryptochiridae snails are typically carnivorous, feeding on other snails and crustaceans. They use a radula, a ribbon-like structure covered in teeth, to scrape and tear their prey. Some species are known to be opportunistic scavengers.
Environments
Cryptochiridae snails are found in a variety of marine habitats, primarily in tropical and subtropical regions. They are often found in shallow water environments such as coral reefs, rocky shores, and seagrass beds. Some species live in deeper water, but these are less common.
References
For further information, refer to the following reliable sources: