Common Names
Members of the Neritidae family are commonly known by a variety of names, including:
- Nerites
- Nerite snails
- Nerita snails
- Button snails
Characteristics
Neritidae snails are typically small to medium-sized, with a characteristically thick, solid, and often brightly colored shell. The shell is usually globose or conical in shape, with a distinctive operculum, a hard, plate-like structure that closes the opening of the shell when the snail retracts inside.
Nerites are herbivorous, feeding on algae and diatoms. They are often found in intertidal zones, attached to rocks, mangroves, and other hard surfaces. Some species may also be found in brackish water environments.
Environments
Neritidae snails are found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. They are particularly abundant in the Indo-Pacific region. Nerites typically inhabit intertidal zones, attaching themselves to rocks, mangroves, and other hard surfaces. Some species may also be found in brackish water environments.
References
For further information on Neritidae, please consult these reliable sources:
