Pataecidae
The Pataecidae are a family of marine snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the superfamily Cyclophoroidea. These small snails have a distinctive, elongated, and somewhat flattened shell with a long, narrow aperture. They are found in intertidal and shallow-water environments, often clinging to rocks or algae. Pataecidae are unique in their feeding habits, being largely herbivorous and grazing on algae and diatoms.
Common Names
While Pataecidae lack widely used common names, they are sometimes referred to as "Pataecid snails" or "Pataecid limpets" due to their resemblance to limpets in their shell shape and habitat preferences.
Characteristics
Pataecidae are distinguished by the following features:
- Shell: Elongated, somewhat flattened, and typically conical. The aperture is long and narrow, sometimes with a distinct notch or indentation at the outer lip.
- Size: Generally small, ranging from a few millimeters to a couple of centimeters in length.
- Color: Varies depending on species but often includes shades of brown, gray, or white.
- Habitat: Intertidal and shallow-water environments, typically clinging to rocks, algae, or other hard substrates.
- Feeding: Primarily herbivorous, grazing on algae and diatoms. They use their radula, a rasping tongue-like structure, to scrape food from surfaces.
Environments
Pataecidae are predominantly found in coastal environments, particularly in areas with strong wave action or currents. Their preference for hard substrates and their ability to cling securely to surfaces enable them to withstand turbulent conditions. They are often found in rocky intertidal zones, seawalls, and submerged reefs.
References
For further information and scientific references, you can consult these reliable sources: